Family You Choose

To the Family You Choose,

You lot know me. I've always hated Father's Day. I stay off social media to avoid the #daddyslittlegirl posts and old photos. I scrunch my nose up at the adverts on TV and the meal offers outside restaurants. And more often than not, I spend Father's Day with you, just to distract me.

It's not that people shouldn't post on Father's Day and show their dads appreciation. It's always been a jealousy thing. I guess I feel cheated out of it.

This year though, I'm turning that on its head. And in honour of Father's Day, I'm celebrating you, some of my favourite people in the whole world. The Family I Chose.

You're a special bunch, because you didn't have to love me. There's no genetic connection that means we're forever linked. Instead, you took me on, got to know me, flaws and all, and love me anyway. And I'll always be grateful for that.

To Sarah, probably the most selfless person I've ever met. My godmother, big sister and best friend. I can genuinely say I wouldn't be the person I am without you. From teaching me silly songs and group games as a little girl, to taking me out for ice-cream to help mend a broken heart, to coming and beating down my front door when I try to go into hiding. And everything else in between. I couldn't be more grateful.

To Joe, the father figure I always needed. The man who would take on anyone who dared to try to do me wrong, makes me laugh and gives the best hugs. The man who knows exactly when he needs to bring cake, just because I've had a rubbish day. The man who will wrap me up in a big, Joe-like hug, kiss my forehead and remind me that the boy wasn't good enough for me anyway. Eloise is a lucky girl to have a dad like you.

To Eloise and Madison, my extra little sisters. How you two make me giggle! Madi, it's been so amazing to watch you grow from this little tot with brown curls and big eyes to the funny, sassy and clever girl you are now. Eloise, you have so much growing still to do but I already know I'm going to be so proud of the person you're about to become.

To Helen, one of the funniest, strongest people I know. Thank you for making me laugh until I cry, feeding me wine and for all the times we've been the ones giggling at the back of church.

To Grandma, the lady who taught me to remember my manners as a little girl, who always looks happy to see me and was always up at 2am when I was still working away on my uni essays and checked in to make sure I was okay. You're a special lady and I'm so grateful to have you.

Family isn't always necessarily about blood connections. Family are the people who stick by you through every triumph, every rough patch, every heartbreak. They're the ones who cheer you on and pick you up when you hit rock bottom. And when they do all that, because they chose you, hold on to those people. Mine are ace.

Love,
Sian xo