When I married Don Atwater, I gained a whole new family. His parents treated me like the daughter they never had. His mother’s two brothers and their wives in the Midwest welcomed me into their hearts and their homes, as did the offspring of these amazing adults—Don’s five first cousins. Other cousins from around the U.S. and Europe claimed me as one of their own. I felt loved and wanted and always will.
My father-in-law’s family in upstate New York also rolled out the welcome mat. Although we don’t see this side of the family often, we stay in touch with Don’s remaining aunt and first cousins.
Sometimes those we consider family are not the ones who gave us life or raised us, but those who chose to take us in when we were orphaned and alone. These people with big hearts and open minds define family. They’re loving, giving, kind, and caring. In the past few years we’ve shared births, illnesses, and deaths, and we support each other as best we can. If we differ on something, we discuss it as adults. Together we weather life’s joys and sorrows, and by being there for each other, we offer strength and love.