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My essay, just found, from years ago...
What a marvelous thing the family is. Who can possibly say that it is a dead institution? I have just seen that we only need to be reminded of our connections to one another to insure its survival.
My family is a marvelously variegated bunch: Intelligent, feisty, independent, artistic, thoughtful, funny, witty. Somehow I have the feeling that these people, with both their warts and common sense, could solve society’s ills, given enough money and time. They’re not afraid to ask questions or to confront the tough issues of the day, and to listen to the responses elicited, whether they like what they hear or not.
Our strength is in our interconnectedness. We need to realize this. We need to remember where we came from, and from who. When we do that, we are less alone, and therefore stronger. None of us needs to live in a vacuum. When we look around us, and at our ancestors, we become aware of the continuity of life. This strengthens our creativity, which is really boundless. It bubbles up unbidden out of each person, and in the sheltering arms of the family, it is nurtured and grows.
Our creativity then impacts our family with consequences that may not stop for generations. The echo of a beloved grandparent’s encouragement may surface in the most unexpected places.
We are part of an endless stream. Even though we have many names, we are related. We must not forget!
© 2010 MLC
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