What is family?  Here we are in a situation that is bringing together lots and lots of people into our family which although not unusual is different.  And some already seem more family then some who were a part of this family since their birth.  Foster daughter or not I consider Cindy my daughter.  And many others who I haven't yet known for very long I anticipate being in our 'forever family'.  So, what does it take to make a family.  I'm not downplaying the traditional mother/father creator kind of 'normal' family, and love the fact that many of 'ours' have come to us that way.  But both blood and marriage can create bonds of equal power.  And even situations other then blood and marriage can do the same.  I write this way because we had another family get together tonight to celebrate Cindy's 24th birthday.  It was at Johnny's home so both sides were there.  Many are very recent acquaintances and I expect will really be solid as time goes by.  But even with the awkwardness of newness I sense something very real and long lasting.  And I just sit there and marvel about the work being done by the truly great orchestrator.  I am so happy for Sharon's happiness.  And I feel overwhelmed by all the numbers of others who make up this new and improved family that Sheila and I and Kathy share some credit for creating.  It feels so new, yet it feels so old at the same time.  As I get comfortable with it as times goes by may I never take it for granted.  Hopefully I have learned my lesson about how family needs to be treasured and appreciated.