Families, May 2026

My topic this month is families.  We all come into this world in the same way.  Some of us grow up in the family we were born into, and others are chosen to grow up with their adoptive families.  Either way, we have people around us from a very young age who shape who we become.  These family relationships can be complicated at times, but are worth cultivating. 

  The family we belong to includes our immediate family and also our extended family.  I am lucky enough to have a very large extended family. I have siblings who live near me, and there are many cousins in various parts of Canada and the world that I can call family.  We had a reunion in Saskatchewan in 2024 that boasted at least 60 cousins.  What a celebration that was. 

  My immediate family is rather spread out these days.  Alberta and British Columbia are a long way from Ontario, but I make every effort to visit my children and grandchildren there yearly.  My immediate family here in Ontario include a son and stepson and their wives and children.  They are all kind to me and include me in many of their activities. They are always there when I need them.  Some things are just beyond my technical abilities, and they always come to my aid when asked.  All the members of my family, both immediate and extended, mean the world to me.

  Many people have a chosen family of friends that they rely on.  This family can be more fluid as friends can come and go.  Some friends seem to be with us for a lifetime, like my friend Mary, whom I have known since I was 19.  When I moved to Simcoe ten years ago, I left behind many friends in Simcoe County.  Moving closer to family and old friends was a good move.  Since living here, I have made many new friends and expanded my chosen family, much to my delight.

  There is a third type of family that I would now like to point out.  That is the family comprised of furry friends known as pets.  Granted, some pets like snakes and lizards are not furry, but pets nonetheless.  The art attached to this piece is a Gelli Plate print of my sister Sharon and her new puppy, Kane.  It’s titled Apple of Her Eye.  It really captures the love my sister has for her new puppy.  Pet people make their pets an integral part of their family.  In Sharon’s case, her pets are her children.  They bring her much love and joy.  New puppies require a lot of training, walking and playing with, so Kane is proving to be good for her emotional and physical health as he is keeping her very active.  When people without pets get together, they often talk about their children; pet people talk almost exclusively about their pets.  They are truly family.

  Scientific studies show that the more social we are, the healthier we are.  Having strong social connections lowers the risk of heart disease, boosts our immune system and lengthens our life span. Having a pet, especially a dog or cat,  contributes to reduced stress, lower blood pressure and fewer Doctor visits.  Pets can boost your mood, keep you active and add a sense of companionship.  Whether you choose people or pets to spend time with, do it regularly, and you will live longer.