This week, I decided to take The Unexpected Detour ♥️ on a personal route.

A drive home led me back to memories of growing up as an only child—my imaginary friend DeeDee, my Barbie dolls, handmade clothes and earrings, tiny cakes from my Easy-Bake Oven, and the creativity that helped me learn how to be alone without feeling lonely.

I also reflect on the common assumption that only children are spoiled, why that was not my experience, and how friendships eventually became something deeper.

They became family.

They may not share my blood or my last name, but they have shared life with me. I call them my homemade family.

Sometimes family is not only the people we are born to. Sometimes family is found in the people who love us, remain loyal, and choose to stay.

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