I was raised by my grandma
with her
“Sit up straight”
homemade everything
crocheted blankets in every room
dancing in the kitchen to sinatra
hot cocoa and graham crackers
before bed
type of love.

I was raised by my father
with his
Military service for years
hard work and grit
consequences and punishments
and harsh words
but with an edge of gentleness and kindness
and his odd way of saying “I care for you”
type of love.

I was raised by my uncle
with his
funny jokes
many cars in his driveway
that he works on
“Go play with your cousin and
lemme drink my coffee”
type of love.

I was raised by my friends
and their
“I love you too, ya’ crazy”
inside jokes
“If you hurt her, I’ll hurt you”
emotional support
cry together when times are rough
type of love.

I was raised by my family
whom I was born with
and whom I chose to be my family