Given Family. Chosen Family. Family.
I came from a very small family, mainly it was mom and I growing up. My sister and my brother each had families and we did interact a lot, mostly at holidays; dinners, birthdays, funerals, Thanksgiving, etc. My given family. As I began a new relationship, I gained a new “family” one with children! For me, the words “Uncle Royal” just about bring tears to my eyes. I am a slave to their eyes, their quest in life and their innocence.
Growing up we had many different “family” members stay the weekend with us. As a child it was explained that this was uncle or aunt so and so. As a young adult, I realized that these were not really my aunts and uncles but extended family members, very close friends of the family. Chosen family members.
As I got older and had different people become roommates. The income never hurt, and often times it made a huge difference in ability to pay some bills. Many of the times it was about opening a safe, clean, nurturing “home” for someone who didn’t come from that, who didn’t have that, and that needed a home. They became family.
Sure, that saying “some people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime” holds true. Our relationship with family is not much different, although if you are related, you will most likely always be related. But there are times that my life and my home have been made available to someone who needs a break from the life they have. Sometimes for a few weeks, few months or longer. Sometimes they keep in touch. Some times they got what they needed and they moved on.
I look back at the many “strays” that I have shared life and home with. I learned a little about them, and perhaps a little abut myself too. Regardless, for me, it is about the journey of sharing, caring and making a difference. The “truth” in all of this for me is that the lesson my mom taught me as a child, these are your aunts and uncles… still holds true today. I may not call them aunts and uncles today, I call them friends, and I call them family.
We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves. One day. One journey. One person. One family member at a time.
Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain. He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling. He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.
Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception! Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care.
INCLUSIVE LIFE (402) 575-7006 info@inclusivelife.org
In Omaha at 105 S. 49th Street, Omaha, NE 68132
In Council Bluffs at 500 Willow Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
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