At dinner the other night my grown daughters and I were reflecting on their very complex extended family and the impact they had in their lives. 

My oldest daughter’s Dad died before she was born and we’ve stayed close with his large family.

A few years later a second husband came with another set of in-laws that included his four siblings, four step siblings and their families.  Then we added two more daughters.

For several Christmases we actually fit four turkey dinners into 3 days!!

These days their Dad has a new partner who has kids and now my girls have 3 step siblings.

You get the picture.  A complex web of family that are all connected to my daughters.

Do I wish they had grown up in what many consider a traditional family?  If they had, there are so many wonderful people who they know and love and who love and support them that might never have come into their lives.  

The reality these days is that families come in all shapes and sizes.   One parent, two parents, same sex parents, blended families, and the list goes on.

What our children need is love and to feel that they belong.  I always felt blessed that my children had so many who loved them and made them part of their family.  

Recently my daughters’ step-sister had triplets.  In the weeks and months ahead I’m sure the new Mom and Dad will be most thankful for their extended families.  Traditional or not!

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