Funny that this thread began as I always say that family isn't all it's cracked up to be. The crap statement of blood is thicker than water means what? Because someone else decided to have me and that their ways are not right I should just agree that because of this it should mean something? If people are toxic why should you even consider staying around. The other day I told my 70 something year old mother to go f$%^ herself and that she is done!!! That she will never see my kids, wife and myself and I am OK with that. Family to me is just another word especially when it has to do with the ones who do not live under MY roof. If the people in your life are no good F^&$ them!!! Be gone and free rather than trying to live up to something that somebody thought to explain as important for all!!!