English, Irish, and Decidedly Greek

Being adopted, I don't have documented information on my exact genealogy or family heritage. Somewhere it was written that I am a combination of English and Irish (and perhaps French). But for me, family has always been about people and love and those you choose to make a part of your life - and little to do with blood relation. I grew up calling Mama Seashell's best friends "auntie", and their children "cousins". I looked up to my childhood babysitters like they were my big sisters, and holidays were spent with loved ones - "family" or not.

Just as we have embraced friends into our family, they have done the same in return. Years ago, my childhood best friend (now my BM) Carrie and her family went to meet her mother's birth family in Greece. Soon after their initial meeting, we took a trip to Greece to "meet the family" as well. We were overwhelmed with love and acceptance, and were made to feel like an extension of their Greek family.

Over the years, my family and Carrie's family have taken countless trips together. Carrie and I learned to read together one summer in St. Thomas at age 4, and toured Anne of Green Gable's house on Prince Edward's Island when we were 11. We've explored more European cities than I can recall, and eaten more amazing food than I'd like to admit. As our families have grown (and aged) Greece has become an anchor for our travels. Trips back have become more frequent, and bonds have grown stronger. We have taken in the culture, and shared ours in return.

 Greek Relatives with MOH Julia, Me, and BM Carrie (in red) circa 1994

So, when you're someone who believes that family is what you make it, I'm proud to tell people that I'm "English, Irish, and Decidedly Greek".

What does this mean for me and Mr. Seashell? You'll have to wait and see... But I'll tell you this: it will involve some Greek dancing, lamb on the spit, and a lot of "Opa!" come summer 2011.