Ohana means Family.

I never questioned this term because family is one of the strongest elements instilled in me since my first breath. All the members in my family are loved to an extent that is indescribable and impossible to recreate. Granted, the communication is off and everyone has their own flaws, the bond between my extended relatives is stronger than most.

I attribute much of this to those ever so sacred Saturdays we spent with each other since we were little. Growing up alongside each other, consistently being able to relive many childhood events just by being in each other's presence. We are able to provide a comfort just in our unity and I value this more than ever.

Here's the doosy.
There are a few members of my extended family whom I don't feel like I ever grew up with or even mattered to. Just as well because their absence didn't mean much to me anyhow. The bond isn't as apparent, and I even doubt it's existence.  So is blood even thicker? Or is the fact that we grew alongside each other that provides us with our immortal bonds? If I felt that it would be easy to disregard parts of my family, blood alone isn't nearly as dense as I had originally believed.

I found my answer when the second most distant cousin, or, the one cousin I despised most for actions taken against other family members; asked ME for help. Ironic eh? I'm just your uncles kid till ya need me, NOW I'm acknowledged. Despite my feelings or opinions I ACCEPT. Now, I'm not going to be drawn into any pity parties by any means. But for me to even come through, I surprised myself.

So there it is. Blood is thicker. He was family and I gave in.That F word really does mean alot, whether it's the consistent support and presence of certain members or just the blood relation with others.

I can't imagine what it would have been like to have my extended family scattered over the US. Thanking my lucky stars everyone is a few blocks away =)