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People are put into families in various ways. The most common is by birth thus making them blood relations.

Another way a person becomes family is adoption. Though not technically a blood relation this person is considered family and entitled to all the rights and privileges thereof. The third common and socially acceptable way a person becomes family is by marriage. Again, not a blood connection but legally a part of the family.

However, people come into our lives who become more than just friends. The relationship becomes so close that the bond is as if they were born into the same family and lived their growing up years together. So close is their connection that they would donate an organ if the situation called for it.

Then there are the family members that hardly speak to each other because of distance in miles or emotions. There could have been a fight or perhaps the siblings just didn't get along. In this situation, these blood relations are more like acquaintances rather than family.

Family is important. It is a person's heritage, history and health. There are issues that blood relationships must deal with including health histories and the death of parents. Sometimes, however, a blood relationship doesn't automatically mean that people are close or even see eye to eye. Sometimes a person outside of the bloodlines will be more supportive or helpful or caring than those within.

It seems to be an unwritten law that just because two people are related there should be a sense of duty toward each other. Most often it is true. Occasionally it is not.

Guilt should not be laid upon a family member who doesn't feel close to the others. Sometimes the black sheep of the family is just outside of the fold. Sometimes a friend or a child becomes closer than a blood connection. And that is just fine.

Learn more about this author, Kareen Rose.
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