What does 'Family is important' mean to you? \ stacker news ~alter

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What does 'Family is important' mean to you?

135 sats \ 8 comments \ @DesertDave 9 Dec alter_native

My story is as such, that I currently have no connection with my parents, siblings, aunts, cousins, uncles, etc. The only family I am currently in connection with is my 2 children from a previous relationship and my current wife.

I have always heard that family is the most important thing. I struggled with this thought for many years because I didn't feel connected to mine. My father, who raised me, passed long ago and he is the only one that I felt I could truly understand and relate to. He is the one who raised me in my formative years. My mom wasn't around then. Later, I spent more than 20 years attempting to connect with my mother's side and those siblings. And while I treasure that time and those experiences, I don't talk to any of them anymore.

I feel like my expansion as a person was dependent on getting away from all of who and what I came from.

I see a lot of beautiful families out there that look all different ways. And I wonder, what is the importance of family? Is it different for everyone? Is it about our own family, our children and partnerships. Or is it about honoring and supporting our ancestors. Should we stick with them all no matter what? What does family mean to you? Should would we take care of our elders? When is it okay to leave them behind? How do you feel about 'family'? How is family important in your life?

Thank you for reading and commenting. 💚

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110 sats \ 1 reply \ @Shugard 9 Dec

It depends. As far as bloodlines go, not much. In terms of my siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, a lot, but definitely not everything. In terms of my closest friends, they are like family to me.

In terms of my partner and my unborn child, everything! I would try everything to keep my family together and I will sacrifice everything for my little jet unborn daughter.

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @DesertDave OP 9 Dec

I agree. Nothing can come between your children and your partner. Congratulations on your soon to arrive daughter. How soon? Is this your first?

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @Imyourfed 9 Dec

Family is where we learn love, both in giving and receiving. For some, it’s blood for others it’s chosen. It’s honoring roots, supporting elders, and finding belonging. But sometimes walking away is necessary to heal. Family is connection imperfect still profound, shaping who we are and who we become.

11 sats \ 0 replies \ @DesertDave OP 9 Dec

I like that. Well said. Thank you. 💚

11 sats \ 3 replies \ @bief57 9 Dec

You must be honest with your feelings, do not blame yourself if you do not feel the love that society says you should have for your mother and siblings. You have said it yourself, every family is different. Every experience is different, every love is different. If you want to talk to them, do it! If you do not want to, do not do it. If you want to go see them, do it, if you do not want to do it, you are not obligated. If you feel and believe that you should make peace with your relatives, do it, try it, you are alive today. Otherwise, if you only love your children and your current wife unconditionally, that is fine, they are the family that comes from you, give them all your love.

0 sats \ 2 replies \ @DesertDave OP 9 Dec

Thank you. I still feel like one day I may reconnect with some of them. I feel sad sometimes that I am not more connected. I do feel like I made a real attempt and it just wasn't working anymore. I hold a place in my heart if I ever feel like they want to come back into my life in a real way..

11 sats \ 1 reply \ @bief57 9 Dec

Maybe they feel the same way, I don't know. Don't you even have conversations with them sporadically?

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @DesertDave OP 9 Dec

Off and on with a couple people..Every time I have reconnected, I feel like I just want space again. Lots of old unhealed wounds. Complicated as I am sure most families are.