There is an age-old saying that states “blood is thicker than water.” I have only heard it used as ammunition to support an argument that an individual should always side with the biological family. But what happens when that family member abandons you or hurts you? What happens when that blood returns to your life but you have had a constant flow of support and unconditional love from the water?
The University of Saarland released a study in February of 2013 that stated blood flows differently than water. Blood is the mean girl. Blood has flow properties that change depending on the conditions around it. Physically this is yet another marvel our bodies are capable of producing. Metaphorically, blood isn't too reliable. In contrast, the flow properties of water are constant despite pressure, temperature, and other variables.
One could argue many points for such a quote, but in the end none matter. What does matter? Certainly not biology. Biology does not differentiate right vs. wrong. What defines a family are the bonds, intimacies, experiences, and the consistencies in which these are displayed.
This weeks entry is dedicated to the people in my life who are not “blood” but are none-the-less family. They have proven this by their presence, by being supportive, by creating a bond. For this I am eternally grateful.