Bonnie Tharp Books
We were raised in the 50’s and 60’s to think of families as being one father, one mother, and one or more children. The truth is that non-traditional families are the norm now. You know the ones I’m talking about, a single parent home, grandparents raising grandchildren, aunts or uncles raising their niece or nephew, partners raising children. Family is not just blood. It’s loving, living and caring for each other.
Hopefully we all have friends that are as close or closer to us than blood relatives. They know us and love us anyway. We share interests and experiences and we are an important part of each others lives. We’re family. We can count on each other. I’ve been very lucky to have a wonderful friend since childhood. There are other terrific people in my life I call friends, some I’ve known for many years, some just a few weeks, some I’ve never met in person. They are all precious to me.
When I think of family and friends I also think of our four-legged companions. They love us no matter what. They’re happy to see us when we have been gone, even for a few minutes. They show us love and affection and make us laugh. Sometimes they protect us or warn us of danger. And they love to be with us. We’ve always had dogs and I can’t imagine living without o ne. Although, when they track mud on my freshly mopped floor I think how clean my house would be without four feet dragging in debris from outside. Actually, I doubt my house would be much cleaner, because I’m not a domestic diva. My anger soon passes as I get out the mop again.
Life and living is messy. People are messy. Pets are messy. And it’s okay. It’s worth every bit of dust and clutter to know we aren’t alone and we’re loved. Besides, it’s more fun to tidy up beside a messy loved one than to have a sparkling, but empty home.
Enjoy your family and friends, they make the journey much more fun.