**Assertion Journal about Meg's response to Seeing with the Heart.

Stephanie Disney wrote an essay entitled Seeing with the Heart. Meg Hoioos also wrote an assertion journal on this and I believe the topic addressed in the two essays is very relevant. Family does not necessarily have to be someone that you are related to through blood, but it is someone who has always supported and loved you for who you are.

My dad's entire side of the family is not really much of a family to me. Since we were little, my brother and I have been the "outsiders" and always have to make an effort to reach out to them. Yearly, all the cousins are taken on a vacation my Aunt Theresa-except my brother and me. Every Christmas we get the gift cards and money, while they get presents that were actually thought into. We have to call them; we have to visit them. This effort is always a key thing in our relationship with these relatives. I believe that family is a bond, though, and it should not have to be something that requires intense efforts, but instead it should be natural.

About three years ago, my mom began dating this guy named Steve. Steve has no blood relation to me, but I often believe he cares about me more than my own dad. Whenever I need something, he will come from Fredericksburg to Stafford and do whatever it takes to resolve the situation. In difficult decisions, he give me advice; when he believes I'm in a bad situation, he let's me know. My biological father, however, can't even find the time to call me once a month or reply to my e-mails.

Steve also has a daughter, Brittany. Now, Brittany is like the sister I always wanted. Sure we fight because, well, that's what teenage girls do; but we can talk to each other about anything and can rely on one another always. Together, we cry, laugh, joke and talk. We have such a close relationship and are just like sisters, although we have no blood relation.

I have learned throughout my life that the people that have learned to love me, love me much more passionately and genuinely then those that believe they must love me because we're related. A family is more than sharing the same genes; it goes much further. Family accepts you and loves you no matter what life brings. They care about your well-being and spend time in cherishing your relationship. People like that-they're your real family.