Friends Who Are My Family!

I've been on my own most of my adult life. 

I don't mind being alone. I'm an only child of two only children who had me at 42. I grew up as the only kid in my neighborhood. Now that my folks are gone, I don't have close family since I don't have kids. The good news?

I get to choose my family.

I've been lucky to meet great people throughout my life, friends who are my family. Sisters who I adore as an extension of my own heart,  brothers who are always there with just the right advice and an understanding shoulder. I'm so blessed by my special family.

During the really hard times, when I was care-taking my mom, then dad, then my friend with AIDS, they helped hold me together. They answered their phones at all hours of the night to lighten my terrors. I was physically alone, but my virtual family was there for me and I knew it.  I love every one of you even more for getting me through the ugliness formerly known as my 40's!

Then came Twitter.

I joined Twitter about six months ago. From the very first day I was blown away - by the Twerrific people I met, the sharing, open spirits of my Twibe.  Since then my family has grown by leaps and bounds. I am still blown away.  

I didn't know so many fabulous people existed!

People who I've never met have become my extended family. They share my joys, my dilemmas, my  just plain sucky days. We laugh at life, share our experiences, help each other in as many ways as their are needs. From Warsaw to Cairo to Kathmandu, I now have a family who shares my life - 140 characters at a time.  

I am blessed by each and every one of you.

Thank you -  to all of the gracious, loving, growing spirits who are my family.

My NEW Family Photo!

FYI - I joined Facebook a coupla months back - and now the family is growing even LARGER.  Thanks to all my new Facebook family as well - I'm gonna need a bigger Thanksgiving table!
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This post was created as part of a global groundswell of gratitude called TweetsGiving. The celebration, created by US nonprofit Epic Change, is an experiment in social innovation that seeks to change the world through the power of gratitude. I hope you’ll visit the TweetsGiving site to learn more, and to bring your grateful heart to the party by sharing your gratitude, and giving in honor of that for which you’re most thankful.

Comments

[Rebel]

Wow - I am humbled by your responses. Sorry it took so long for me to get out here - been an under the weather week for me.

Your comments yet again show how blessed I am by friends who are my family. Some I've known for decades, some I met in the past month, but regardless - you all ROCK.

Wishing a grace-filled holiday season for all of my friends who are like family.

Luv n light

reb

[Ralphtalmont]

To one rebellious by name from one rebellious by nature - have a stupendous day :)

[GaryLoper]

For slightly different reasons, we have arrived at the same place. It is a pleasure to share the Twitterverse with you. Twitter & Facebook truly has the power to connect with others and rediscover yourself.
Thank you for sharing and bringing a new light on my path.

[Dixie Gillaspie]

Ah Reb - the family of choice is always the family of the heart. Some are lucky enough to share DNA with their family of choice while some, like you and me, have a huge family of selected loved ones. It is thrilling to see how many loving comments are here, and to have you as part of the fam!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1019155135]

I'm not an only child, but I too am SO very thankful for my "online" family! The people (including you:) that I have met in just the last year are among the most amazing and supportive that I've ever known. I cannot even express how truly blessed and grateful I am! It was last Thanksgiving that I really discovered the power of Twitter, and started really trying to "get it". So, for me this week is an anniversary of sorts, and the fact that it happens to be "thanksgiving" couldn't be more appropriate!

[Ken_colby]

Thanks for the heart-warming post, Rebel. You're a special lady who I'm glad to have reconnected with via Twitter. Thanks for making my day so often - I look forward to new discoveries every day. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Dave Brock]

Great post, I'm thankful for being included in such a wonderful family! Regards, Dave

[Bob]

Thank you for your gratitude! It is infectious. I joined Twitter at about the same time and have had the same experience. Amazing really, the fact we can have virtual community-something I never believed possible-but it is.

[Bob Burg]

Rebel, you are one of those friends for whom I am grateful every day!

[Colin Lewis]

Rebel...your sparkling personality, generaosity of spirit and huge heart provide love and smiles - its no wonder you have a large family of friends...I am blessed to know. Much Love, C