I didn’t feel odd, or unconventional. I fit. I felt like this was my family, my tribe, with all its weird and wonderful troubles and joys.
Becoming Chosen Family
She might also achieve that status by bonding with the children. But as a fiercely protective mother, I limited that interaction. It requires my trust too.
A Proper Family Christmas
My children do not count as ‘proper’ grandchildren because I didn’t grow up with our mother. For him there are two criteria. Blood AND environment.