So, on top of starting college, this was the year I began the healing process of being an abused child with too fine a memory for too many traumatic experiences. I came to accept my biological mother's suicide. Before this year I always defined family in terms of either adoptive or biological relationships. However, I now realize that a family is what one makes of it. Family consists of the people around you who love you and show interest in your life, and you in theirs.
Family comes in all colors and personalities.
I no longer believe that family is just blood ties. My family consists of friends. I have learned so well this year that friends are very important and essential for my survival. Maybe everyone's survival in some ways. I have learned that it doesn't do one any good to be antisocial or alone, no matter how painful the personal circumstances.