SHE SAID...FAMILY TIES

Dawn Boyle


 FAMILY n. pl. fam·i·lies

1.

a. A fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children.

b. Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place.

2. All the members of a household under one roof.

3. A group of persons sharing common ancestry.
4. Lineage, especially distinguished lineage.

5. A locally independent organized crime unit, as of the Cosa Nostra.

6.

a. A group of like things; a class.

b. A group of individuals derived from a common stock

I had the luxury of spending the weekend with my family. I have two brothers, they are married and they both have children. I have a mother and father that are still together. Everyone in my family is healthy. But the strangest part of my family is that we all get along. There has never been a major fight between any of us. We genuinely enjoy being around each other. We all dance and party like there is no tomorrow.

I often wonder why does my family have this, while so many others do not? What makes my family work?

My parents got married young, had us young and have worked hard to give us everything they could, just like most of my friends parents. Yet so many people I know have estranged relationships with their siblings.My brothers are my go-to people. I love the women they married. I consider them my sisters. I rarely go a day without speaking to at least 2 out of the 6 adult members in my family. I look forward to holiday's and parties with them. It doesn't make sense to me when I hear people talk about (anything but distance) not being close to their family and that they are okay with it.


What do you think is the recipe is to make a close family? Do you believe it's a conscience effort? Why is it so easy for some people to allow bullshit and/or egos dismantle a family? What would you do if your very own kids became estranged?