About 9 years ago I was walking through Carmel when I looked across the street and saw a couple walking a little black and tan dachshund that looked just like Courtney.  I made a beeline across the street and told them about my little dog and then I took some pictures.  This was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.  Who would have thought a chance meeting could have changed the course of all of our lives. 

Art and Laurann have become my adopted parents.  Each time I visit the bay area I always make a point to see them as they love me and I love them. 

Seeing them this past time renewed the love that I feel for them.  They have given me advice (of course most of it I don’t take because of my stubborn ways!), but I know that I can always go to them to ask advice or to seek comfort. 

Today in your writing examine those friends who have become your family.  What does the relationship mean to you?  I think that all of our relationships are so important to write about because it makes each of us who we are by adding to our experiences.