Sharon Burdette is a student in the Master of Arts – Integrated Studies program at Athabasca University, with a focus on Adult Education. Sharon currently lives outside of Toronto with her family and works in Learning and Development.

The Gift of Family

They say that “family is a gift”

But what if

The gift comes at a price?

The gift costs you too much?

What if

Instead of high fives, you receive put downs

Instead of hugs and kisses, you feel not good enough

Instead of you can do it, you hear why can’t you?

Instead of I’ll help you, you fear I’ll smack you!

Can you give the gift back?

What if

You say no thank you, this gift doesn’t fit

It’s not what I asked for, not what I need

Thanks, but no thanks

What if

They say that it’s the thought that counts

Not the gift

But what if

I don’t like your thoughts either, because I know that I count

So this is it

I have decided that instead I will say:

“Friends are the family you choose”

It fits better

For me.