December 2009: What the Heck is Family Anyways???

WHAT THE HECK IS FAMILY ANYWAYS???
What can I say? My butt (it's a little more fit but still FAT) couldn't have achieved my wildest dreams without family. You guys have heard me talk about my mom endlessly—she has sacrificed her own comfort and dedicated her life to making me and my brother the independent, strong, and focused people we are.  Maybe you've even heard me speak about my biggest fan, my dad, who kinda embarrasses me sometimes (well actually, MANY times) with his boasting, proud papa support of me.  Or my amazing brother Devin who loves America so much that he's going on 20 years in the US Air Force. He brings the most amazing gifts home to me and my mom from all over the world!
Well, this month is all about family. But let's keep it really real—all families are not alike and there's no such thing as a perfect family—and they're not supposed to be. I ask you to try hard not to measure your family against someone else's, because we don't choose our family like we choose our friends. Someone else's situation may look so good from afar. In middle school, I remember being so scared to bring my rich friend to my home because she lived in a mansion that her family purchased from one of the most legendary athletes of all time. On the otherhand, I lived in an apartment that wasn't in the best neighborhood. Her mom didn't have to work and chose not to. Mine worked two jobs. So, back to the mansion. I mean, it was a royal castle in my eye. To this day, it would STILL be intimidating to me! Well, my mom caught wind of my fears of having my buddy see our house, and convinced me to get past my insecurities and  invite her over. After I got through the initial nerves of letting her through the front door, she asked to see my bedroom. The first thing she said was, "WOW!, Tyra your room is all rainbow colored and mine is all one boring color that the interior designer picked. I'm so JEALOUS!!!" From that day onward, she only wanted to hang at my house cuz she felt it was comfy and real.
Can you believe it?! She preferred my room's handcrafted decor done by my mama's hands over her own professionally decorated princess palace of a room!!!  From that day, I vowed to be proud of where I come from and to not be ashamed of my family—even if, years later, we lived one block from where some of the Rodney King riots were.
All families and situations are different. Some parents are together, some never were, some are divorced. Some families are rich, some live paycheck to paycheck. Some of you have never met your mom or have been deserted by your dad (he's missing out on your amazingness by the way!). Some of you have two moms or two dads. Or were raised by by your Grannie or Gramps or Auntie or Uncle or Cousin or Brother or Sister. Some of us are adopted or in foster care. The truth is, family is about so much more than just bloodline connections.
To me, family is about familiarity, security and unconditional love. Family is where you go when you need to feel warm, when the world seems to be harsh and cold. Or when you are acting a fool and you need someone to tell you to get it together! Family is who believes in you when you're up--and especially when you're down and feeling like crap. Family is support. Family is friendship. Family is that I-know-I-was-dead-wrong-but-I-know-you-forgive-me-cuz-you-love-me-unconditionally kinda thing.
Speaking of all kindsa family, for so long, and it's been LONG cuz I've been modeling since I was 15, doing Top Model for 13 cycles and hosting my talk show for five years, you've all been like an extended family to me. (Sending so much love and support my way, but also telling me the truth when you weren't lovin' something I've said or done.) Thank you so much for that. For your voice, your opinion, your loving and honest truth. Keep it comin'. The bitter and the sweet. That's what family is for. 
Ok. Ok... I'm all smilin' now, all sappy and warm and fuzzy.  I hope you are smilin' with me and remembering that the imperfect family is the new family! And if you haven't already, I'd love for you to join my family here, my inner circle. Just like all families, we ain't perfect, we tell it like it is and we embrace your mistakes and your loveliness too. 
Love you like some BBQ flavored soy crisps straight outta the bag,Fierce & Love,
Ty-Ty