Today is a special holiday for Indians known as Rakshabandhan. It is a day when sisters tie a Rakhi(special bracelet) to their brothers, and brothers in turn are to protect them. I have a few special brothers in my life and most of them are not blood, which makes friends that became family very special for me.

How special is the bond when friends become family? It is a bond you have to work for, as it is not instantly given. As with any relationship, you must work for them, but when a friend becomes family that extra level is achieved. You know you have true support and love as it is not an obligation due to blood bonds.

Some of us, such as me have some weak blood bonds. So for me, my friends that are family are extra special. They call, they text, they are there. Things you would expect from blood bonds, but sometimes life is not so. Therefore, I have really learned that my life has meaning outside of what my dysfunctional family may perceive.

It is nice to be loved and respected. When you find that in others, you realize that human beings have so much to give. We are all good in our own way and no one is perfect, so enjoy your imperfect relationships.

On a side note, my friends that are family have supported my children's book beyond my dreams. One of them stated: "I love my book!! And recommend to teachers to teach diversity in there class." https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...