Family Comes in Many Packages

In less than a week, many of us will be celebrating Christmas in our own ways. Last night, though, my SL family had an early Christmas gift… one that got me to thinking about family in SL.

So, what was our gift? Well, yesterday, we had a new addition to the Evans family, but he’s not in the form as some of you may be thinking. Our newest addition is Buck, our family’s loving Clydesdale steed. 

It's not everyday that you see a horse on a sled. This is Buck, in his regular horse form.

You didn't think we just sat around did you?

Yep! He’s a horse avatar and I love it! Buck is kind, gentle, funny, adventurous, and has a heart filled with so much love that he wants to share with those around him. He fits in so perfectly with all of us, and truly belongs.

Ivy in her Alicorn form, with Ron in his previous wolf form
Photo by: Syrah Evans

As you can see in the above picture, though, Buck isn’t our only four-legged family member. Ivy is our family’s beloved Alicorn, although sometimes she will arrive in human form, dog form, or even in the form of a... dragon!!! Always loving and with a beautiful heart, Ivy is a joy to know and love. I’m so happy she’s in our family, and always look forward to spending time with her.

We also have Ron, who is Ivy’s guardian wolf and dear friend. He is hilarious and always makes me laugh. A smile is usually on my face when I’m around Ron, as he has a gift for lighting up a room with his loving and sweet personality.

Our family is even larger than this, but I would keep you here forever if I kept going. I think we are a bit unique in some ways. However, I also know that we’re not the only ones with animals who are a part of their families. In RL too, most pets are more than just that… they are family too. So, here in SL, it isn’t much different. 

Family shouldn't have any set rules as to whether individuals belong or not. Family is more than that. It is love and connection through the heart, and if someone is blessed enough to find that, then they should never let differences get in the way. Some of us are adults in SL. Some of us are kids. And, some of us choose to be four-legged individuals. In the end, though, we are all human beings living in this virtual world together. We bring ourselves into this world every single time we log in, and we impact one another in ways that might be even more powerful than in real life at times. So, when we can find people whom we care about in this virtual world, why not embrace the time we can have with each other and use it for good? We all have a gift all year round within Second Life... the gift of togetherness. Sometimes it can be difficult and painful, but so many times it can bring happiness. And, of course it can sometimes be salvation when our real lives are crumbling in some way. Family in SL doesn't degrade our real life. In some ways, I think it can even save it. 

I think the best way to close this post this week is with Buck’s words after he was officially welcomed into our family.

Of course, I've felt like family every time I've come over. :)

Buck and Ivy (in her dog form)

Merry Christmas, to all of you who celebrate it!

What I'm Wearing:

Picture on the Sled

- Outfit: Buttons & Bows "Santa Baby" TD outfit

- Hat: Muddy Buddies "Santa's Best Buddy Santa Hat"

- Shoes: Razzberry Inc. "Rudy Sneaks" - Limited Edition from the Kids' Winter Festival 2013

- Hair: Amacci Hair "Thea" - Dark Brown, Amacci Bald Base

*Sleds were provided from the Calas Winter Sim