It wasn’t long after I had my first baby that I came to a simple conclusion: the more people that care about them the better. The bigger cheering section the better. The more love the better.
It also wasn’t long before I realized that the group of people I assumed would play that role (grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins…) would grow.
Our friends have become just as close as family. In fact, they’re closer than many people related by blood.
There’s something so special about someone who adores your kids that don’t have to.
The friends that love your kids damn near like their own.
The friends that will drive miles and miles to watch my son play baseball.
And basketball.
And football.
They will come over on a Sunday morning to braid my daughters hair for her dance recital.
Cheer loudly for them at the talent show.
They check on them when they’re sick.
Bring over treats after their tonsillectomy.
Show up to every birthday.
Hug them, high five them, support them, encourage them…
It is never lost on me just how lucky we are to have this sort of extended family.
Growing up in a military house without any family nearby, it was just me and my mom and dad. There wasn’t a Grandma around or an uncle or a life-long friend. Because of that, I am very aware of how blessed we are to have these connections.
I realize, dear friends, how special you are and how much value you bring to our lives.
“Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.” ♥
Do you have a friend that has become like family to you?
Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
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