Family

Through my anthropology course and spring break, I've been forced to think about family. ANT 102 says that in America, family means you have a blood or marriage connection to someone — everyone else is a friend. Fair enough.

My parents were divorced last month. Tonight, my first night at my father's (previously "parents'") house for spring break, I found something curious. Near my bed I saw a pink gimp-and-bead necklace next to a pink doily. First of all, I did not grow up in this house. Secondly, if I did there certainly would not be necklaces or doilies — maybe model horses, Tonka trucks and shelves of books.

So, I've come to the conclusion that my dad is dating someone with a child. A small, girl child. I wonder if this means I may have to expand my views of family. Or does it even count this late? Can I get a new sister at 21? A child that I probably could have given birth to had I been a more mischievous teenager?