I have relatives, and I have family.

I've discussed my ... issues with my blood relatives elsewhere, and a lot of that leads me to believe that a "family" is a choice. A kind of mutual compact of respect, support, affection and occassionally nuggies.

In college, at the impossibly oppresive University of Southern California, I was adopted into a family. An Afrakan rites of passage organization that was one part fratenity, one part development league team for a Kemetic shrine, one part real family. I am closer to my brothers from that time than I am to my blood siblings. Why? It's complicated, and I'm actually a little bit of a private person (contrary to what this site may illustrate), but I feel that mutual compact with these people.

That said, "family" is a choice, one you make every day, and one (if you're very blessed) people make with you.

I could see myself putting up pictures of my "family" here, especially the platoon of nieces I have (yes, yes, Hannibal is for the kids). Sooner or later. Perhaps.

Missing something? Can't figure something out? Ask, and thou shalt receive.