Family defined

How do you define family? I looked up the definition of family and most traditional definitions included the necessity of ancestral heritage involving parents and children of the same lineage living in a group. I did find this definition though, "Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place." Notice this definition yielded no ancestral heritage. I say all of this because I met the most amazing family this past week at work. 

I was introduced to such the family when an 86 yr old woman whom lived the life that we all wish we could live, came into the hospital after showing signs of a stroke. She married young, lived a great life, unfortunately couldn't have children but was blessed with great friends and family that she created. A young lady that sat vigilantly at her bedside was her medical power of attorney, whom was not her daughter. Monica was a Columbian lady that got to know Betty through Betty's best friend whom was Monica's American mother. When that lady passed, Monica became very close to Betty and they have been inseparable ever since. The love of Betty's life, Norman, passed away 5 years ago and it was said that it broke Betty's spirit when he passed. While she was still a vibrant interactive lady, she was never the same. Three years ago, Betty needed some assistance and with the urging of her friends and siblings, she moved into an assisted living facility and thrived from day one. She kept a busy schedule. Monica moved into Betty's empty house and got a housemate named Peter, whom was also one of Betty's good friends. Monica is probably in her late thirties-early forties and Peter is in his early sixties with a steady girlfriend. Monica and Peter live on separate floors and live separate lives, but came together on the one issue that they absolutely adored Betty. Monica would pick up Betty every Friday and bring her home for the weekend and would return her to the facility on Sunday. Peter would pick Betty and another lady up from the facility up every Wednesday and would go to lunch and a movie. Every Thursday Betty would play cards with a group of ladies. Betty was a vibrant 86 yr old. 

Betty was found on a Sunday morning by an aid with a facial droop, right sided weakness, and the inability to speak. Strokes are scary because they can happen without warning for a multitude of reasons. While strokes are terrible to see, the amazing thing about them is that with early intervention, usually within the first 24-48 hrs function that was lost with the stroke,  will show signs of returning, if it is going to. Not to be a Debbie downer, but Betty regained decent function of her right leg, some function in her right arm but did not regain the ability to speak or swallow again. So this was a moment where this random collection of "family" but not blood related members were forced to delve into what Betty had requested in her healthcare papers should this moment ever arise. The love, laughter, and unyielding support that every nurse, doctor, tech, and social worker felt in that room when they walked in was overpowering! It was a joy to see.  Peter and Monica were both always at her side, comforting and encouraging her to get better. They brought in pictures to make her smile and there was always a roomful of visitors laughing and cutting up. 

So while not everyone has children or blood related relatives close by, one can only hope that we will have a "family" like Betty's that will be there for us. I know that back home in KY, I very much have "family" that will always be there for me! For that I am incredibly grateful! 

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