Blood Lines

Are you a Capulet or a Montague, a Smith or a Combs? A surname is but the name of the rose, but do all roses smell as sweet. Before this Shakespeare foray becomes a long winded mess, I will ask this simple question: What makes family? Since the beginning of the ability to recognize one’s parents the idea that one has a family has been a founding block of society. It digs deep into our roots that one has a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, a cousin, etc; but, what does that actually mean. How many of us have family members that we don’t really consider family? How many of us feel the need to be connected to people that we may or may not like because supposedly we have similar blood running through our veins? Do we capitulate into the arms of what we have learned or do we make our own course?


Families in these days and times are becoming less close than they were in previous periods of history. Whether it is blamed on the destabilization of the household, the destabilization of male/female roles or maybe even the decreased birthrate in the US that is causing smaller families, whatever it is families are becoming smaller and less connected. However, is this a bad thing. Family can be the largest strain on oneself From financial woes to acceptance, the pressure that can be put on oneself can be significant. However, it also can be the most supportive thing. How different is the family that we have and the family that we choose? The more I think about this, the more I think that, although, there is a blood bond between family members, the family that we choose is just as important. If one bonds with someone through experience, chance or choice, it can be stronger than that of blood. That bond can also have more of your own interest in mind then someone of your own kin. Those who lean to heavy on the bonds of blood are not deserving of that bond. A bond no matter what, should be a mutual relationship. One that would withstand hardship and one that always tries to be there for you. Memories, feelings and experiences do not get passed through blood, it is our own delusion that makes us create these bonds. In all aspects of our life we should critically analyze the weight of each bond we have and decide whether or not they are a beneficial necessity for us. Our life is too short to be held down by those who would not help us go forward. Now, I am not saying don’t help people, especially blood, if they need help. I am just saying that even blood bonds should be evaluated.