Monday Inspiration: Family

Today's Monday Inspiration is part rant, so you have been warned. Last week everyone was changing their FB profiles for marriage equality. Which I love PS. I am all for equality and as a historian I know that down the road we will look back at this time with interest, as another hurdle for equality that has been going on for many many years. Almost too many years. 

But today what I want to talk about is the idea of Family. The first thing I should point out is the falsity behind the two of my least favorite words: Nostalgia and Traditional Family. First lets tackle nostalgia. People use this word to to look back in time when things were "better" or "how things should be". News Flash. What you are doing is glossing over a time and making it look better than what it really is. For example: Oh the 1950s was such a good times with good morals, values, ect. While on the outside in a very superficial view, this could be true. But behind all that there were still people doing drugs, teenage pregnancy, and gay people. Take the blinders off people. Look around you. There is a big world full of diversity.

The second word: The idea of a "traditional family". D and I have amazing parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles that are all loving and supportive of us. They know who they are and we are so thankful for their support. But at the same time we also have an amazing group of friends here in Pocatello and in Boise and we consider them our family as well. I mean I don't know what I would be without them. They listen to me rant, point out silly facts, and they love me no matter what. When D and I got married, I couldn't have done it without my friends there. They calmed me when I was freaking, they helped out in so many ways, they went up and beyond friend status. To this day I dont even know if they understand how much I love them and how thankful I am for them. They are my family. 

Is it a traditional family? No, probably not. But they are mine and I would be pretty upset if someone told me  I couldn't consider them my family. I understand with the idea of gay marriage it is more from a legal standpoint, wanting the same rights. 

But who am I to tell someone who they can call family?? Life is tough and we should be able to take support from who we want. Does it matter who is there to love you, support you, be your second half or partner? No, it doesn't. Even traditional families aren't perfect. EVERYONE has to deal with hard times, difficult situations. And everyone has joyous moments, happy times. Share it with who you want. If it makes you happy, gives you strength it is not my place to take it away from you. 

So on this Monday, love you who want. Share your life with those who care. 

I find this song fitting. Happy Monday All. 

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