Supports

Now, the above title could mean any number of things, but today I am speaking about supports that come from family and friends.

I have many people who I consider my parents. There are of course my biological parents, then I have mom and dad number 2 and my surrogate dad as well. On top of all of this I toss in many other adults who have served as parent and grand-parent type figures in my life. Now, I have reasons for all of these supports in my life but recently a few people have commented on the fact that I have so many "parents" so I wanted to explore that a little here.

I'm sure many of us have heard the phrase "it takes a village to raise a child" which implies the concept that there are many influences on a child. This is a concept that I completely ascribe to. I was and am incredibly blessed by the individuals in my life who have invested time in my life. They have been there for me through everything and I know that they will continue to be there for me no matter what else happens.

If there are children in your life - related, or not - I hope you take the time to be an influence to them. You never know what you can teach them or help them with that others can't. Also, don't hesitate to become as close as family to them because blood related or not, extra family who simply loves them never, ever goes amiss. It is often the supports in our lives that help keep us on the straight and narrow when otherwise it seems like all hope has failed.