Other things may change us, but we start and end with family

“Family love is messy, clinging, and of an annoying and repetitive pattern, like bad wallpaper.”
Friedrich Nietzsche




Tuesday made 5 years since being adopted. Yes thats right, adopted. In April 2004, my sister A, brother N and I were placed in my aunt and uncles custody as wards of the state. On 3/8/06, they officially adopted the 3 of us. I'm so grateful to have them, and honestly don't know where I would be without them. They were more parent figures than mine own growing up, and while I thought living with them would be the best time EVER, things change as you go from a niece (goddaughter) to their adopted child. They never had a teenager, and they were about to get a crash course. I wasn't the sweetest girl to live with, definitely not the easiest. Now that I have a child of my own, granted I'm still young, but I really can't imagine all the shit I put them through. They stuck by my side through my happiest moments, my lowest lows, any and all failures, heartbreak, puppy love, friend drama, finding out I was pregnant... EVERYTHING. Their support of me never waivered, and they continue to support me in anything I do. THAT is the definition of family - a support system that stands strong by you through whatever may happen. Since everything happened, things have changed. In 2008, my biological mom had gotten in touch with me and guess what? My parents were there for me through all of that, as well. Unwaivering support. They watched my heartbreak as a child of a disappearing, alcoholic mother, so as apprehensive as they were to see us form a relationship, they allowed me to do so. My bio mom and I are closer than ever. A and I lived briefly with her in Florida from May to October of 2010. But it would have never happened if my parents had stopped me. They gave me opportunities. I sung in chorus, became a cheerleader, joined the snowboarding club, learned to surf, travelled to North Dakota.... with their support, and offerings of opportunity. They gave me the opportunity to try new things, even with the risk of me not liking it. When I was 15 and wanted my first Dslr, they did that for me. Photography is my PASSION. If not for them, then who knows? They loved me at my most unlovable, and I'm so lucky for that. Happy 5 years mom and dad, I love you! xoxoxo