I have been living on my own for. A year now.
No contact with any family members.
Just by myself.

I see everyone having their reunion dinners.
I feel sad. Lonely. Abandoned even.
I cry inside but I try to smile.
I know. What am I complaining about. I decided to leave my family behind - I decided I could not forgive someone who would leech her own daughter the way she did. So I said my final goodbyes.

I gained a new family. Unintended.
But I lost a brother too young, too soon.
Visited his grave two nights back. Said my prayers.
Had a reunion supper with the father in law I unintentionally gained. The first, A said, that has ever come close to being accepted.

I am accepted into a family that I never thought I ever could be. I have a father that obviously I do not speak to often - but acknowledges my presence and responds. And even thought of my existence.

Although they are not my blood family.
It is family. Nothing can ever replace this void of being left behind by my own flesh and blood. I will never feel whole in a family unless it is of my own.
My mind cannot think of anything else except; I have no bloodline anymore.

But I have gained many many other types of families.
I am happy.

I have become independent; paying for my own things. Being able to live freely however I please. How I choose. How I can be.

It has been a year. Thank you, A. For living with me for the past year. ♡