Weekly Photo Challenge: Family
Do you have to be ‘blood’ to be family?
Miss Maggie Mae
June 20, 1996 – October 13, 2010
Miss Sadie Lou Simba Nala
April 4, 1999
Miss Stella Rae Sirabi Bear
January 15, 2011
I often hear people say, “Blood is thicker than water” when talking about family. I do not believe this is always the case. Yes, most often people in a common blood line, a family, will stand together, stick up for each other, play together, have reunions, and spend holidays together. As two families merge, a marriage per say, those decisions of where to go and to which side of the family can sometimes end up in an argument often with that phrase being thrown around by someone. But what about those family members that do not share your blood? What about the pet of the house, the best friend, the life long companion, the step – parent, child, etc. , the spouse? Many in this world most likely could have stronger bonds with those that are not ‘blood’, so where does this old ‘family’ phrase leave them? I will tell you where.
The heart.
The heart is where the family is and it is stronger than any blood or water.
Blessed with an amazing family, filled with both the two-legged, some blood and some ‘water’, and four-legged versions of souls, my heart is full.
And for me, family will always be, the heart.
Just Ramblin’
So very true, I could not agree with you more. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by many family members and many are not blood and many are 4 legged
It seems as if we both have been very blessed with great families.
: ) I hope you are having a great day today.
for all the wonderful ramblin’ that you do, this post is definitely not just ramblin’!
a wonderful sentiment about family. you got it right on the nail, or, in the heart.
thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much for such kind words. I appreciate this very much. I tend to ramble so having someone say that there is a little more to the ramblins’ is nice. : )
Beautiful post. I couldn’t agree more… the heart is where the family is!
Thank you very much. Our hearts are capable of so much more than just what is expected. : )
Gorgeous family members! Nice shots!
Thank you so much Nelson. : )
Thanks for stopping by our blog, your pups are beautiful!
I love this post and as the product of adoption, I believe family is about love. It’s not about blood it’s about what is in your heart– and dogs are no exception for they are some of the best parts about family
You are welcome. I enjoyed your blog! Thank you for your kind words. Pups add so much to life. I cannot imagine life without one. Keep hanging out and visiting. : )
This is a beautiful post and so true!! You have an amazing way with words!!
Thank you Jen. I am sure having Leroy and Sherman in your family just adds to the heart factor. : )
What a beautiful post. It is for sure all about the heart with us too. We have a very large ‘heart’ family. Hugs and nose kisses
Thanks Chancy. : ) Always good to fill the heart with family.
I absolutely love this post! So true!
Thank you. Your Tibbers is adorable. : )
I agree with you, we once had a cat and she was part of our family too. Great photos, i like the first one!
Thank you Gracie Sam. The first photo is Miss Mags, or Maggie Mae, or black lab. She was such a great girl. We miss her all the time. I had two cats in my childhood and we had one when we first were married. Cats are amazing members of the family. : )
Nice post and beautiful pictures.
Thank you very much. : )
Absolutely the heart makes a family. Our son is adopted, my husband is only related by marriage. The 3 of us are related by love. And our dog and 2 kitties are every bit as much beloved and loving family members.
Sounds like family to me Kate! : )
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Absolutely loved your post. I feel the same. Family is who you love and where you feel home – if you are related to them or not.
Well said Cassie. I agree. Family should not be forced due to being born into it, but come from the heart. And thanks so much for the pingback. : )
I prefer dogs to people to be honest.
I can understand that completely. Their spirits are so true and genuine. : )
I like the last picture, it looks like you could just touch the brown fur. Nice family pictures.
Thank you very much Connie. Her fur is amazingly soft. : )
Chose who you want to walk with in this life. They will be your family.
So very true Bassa. : ) You woke up to winter wonder land today! Such a beautiful snowy scene on your blog.
Amen sister. Blood is thicker than water, but the ties of the heart are stronger than anything!
My heart is full too, thank you my friend for always seeming to verbalize the things I can’t.
You are too kind Jodi. : ) I am glad your heart is full…makes life go round!
Yes, indeed. Bashert04 put our other family members up on her site. Some are still with us physically, others only in our hearts.
Those we think of as family are always with us whether still here or having moved on…
Oh you made me cry remembering my lost Jassy, a very special dog and part of my family who died in my arms12 years ago.
Oh Gilly, I am so sorry! I did not mean to make you cry. It is the loss that makes the current moments so sweet sometimes. Losing Miss Maggie broke our hearts, to what we though was beyond repair. No room for new love. Yet, Miss Stella has come in and opened up the doors and let so much love happen. : ) I know that pain, have lost several family members, one of which was in my arms as well. I hope you find comfort and peace each day.
I Love dogs nice post
Thanks Jake. Your ‘family’ post was cool too. : )
Heart of my Heart…..I usually express the 1st thing that pops into my head…I know it’s a song, otherwise….my dog’s <3 pumps beside me every waking moment…I'd fall backwards.. for her…she sleeps on me.. for me….anyhoo…you've hit zee nail on zee head…tanks!
: ) Thanks ron & sophie. You are so creative!
Amen!!
AROOOOOF!
Boondocks & The Love Shack Pack
Lol Boondocks! You made me smile…big!
I agree – family is in the heart. Excellent post.
Thanks so much Northern Narratives. Our hearts seem to hold the key. : )
Beautiful thoughts. Some of those considered family by our humans have no blood connection at all. It is as you say truly where the heart lies.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
Thanks OP Pack. : ) Being able to say you have family, no matter what, is a true gift.
Beautiful.
Thank you Amy.
Dogs teach us so much about ourselves. After years of begging my second husband for a dog, lots of excuses (we live in a second floor condo, no yard, blah, blah, blah.) He used to have shepherds, I didn’t want a shepherd. He didn’t want a beagle. I finally, after looking at the pictures of adoptable dogs at the humane society, convinced him to look at the one I thought would be the right size – medium.
Well, he was the only one not barking up a storm in the kennel – had the most beautiful, what we call ‘coyote eyes’ and just leaned over to be petted. We had them take him out, they called him Monty and he was a little nutty – ran in circles and not overly friendly. He had been a stray, adopted once and brought back because he snapped at people who came to the house.
We went home and talked about it – went back and they actually tried to talk us out of taking him – well, for $37.00 including his shots, etc. we took him home and I renamed him Max. You can see him on my WP site.
The Dog Whisperer says, “You don’t always get the dog you want, you get the dog you need.” Oh boy, was he right. Max took a long time to trust us, once bonded he is over protective and we have to deal with a lot of his quirks. Yes, he went to training and the trainer said, he’s a very sensitive dog. We have been through so much with this dog, he has taught my husband patience which was sorely needed.
And, finally – Max is a cross between an Shepherd and a Beagle!
What a great story! So very cool. I can agree, sometimes we do not really pick the pup, or even get the one we think we want. We end up getting the one we needed without even knowing so. Max sounds amazing and I am headed over to check him out on your site. Thanks for sharing. : )
Dogs are family. Period.
Agreed. Period. : )
Very true
Love your pictures!
Thank you very much Nandini. I enjoyed your “Family of Birds – Evening Get Together”. : )
You’re welcome! And thanks
Yep, my dogs are definitely part of the family.
: ) It sounds as if you and Katherine have a nice (well fed!) family.
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thank you for putting down some silly fences with “But what about those family members that do not share your blood? What about the pet of the house, the best friend, the life long companion,…”
: ) Thank you for your kind words frizztext. I always enjoy your posts and your comments.
Your post was timely! I was just singing the Garth Brooks song in my head, and goes like this: “blood is thicker than water, but love is thicker than blood.” Love the photos, but makes me *miss* a dog I’ve never met, Maggie Mae.
Glad you are blessed and your heart is full. Enjoy the weekend!
You always bring a smile to my face whenever I read your writing…posts and comments. You are so very talented. : ) That song is good..and can get stuck in your head (now it is in mine!). Thanks so much for such kindness about sweet Maggie Mae. She was so very special. I hope your weekend is amazing.
I must agree with you .. I still cry when I recall my first dog’s last days .. he will never ever die in my heart.. my 4 leg baby boy is so much part of our life ..i can not imagine my day with out him.
All the girls look happy
All of the girls are indeed.
I understand your tears for your first dog. You are right, they will always be in the heart. The heart is meant to take care of such moments and love. : )
Enjoy your weekend.