This past weekend was full of family for me. My family is large and very spread out. When I think of family, I can’t help but think about how complicated families can be. When we are children, we are dependent on our families for survival. They provide food and shelter at the very least. We also hope for a good deal of understanding, love and nurturing.
The artwork attached to this blog is of my brother and his grandson. The little boy, supported by his grandfather as he navigates the big steps could be a metaphor for what is to come. Grandparents bring a different level of care to their grandchildren. As a grandmother to eight grandchildren, I can attest to the fact that they are all amazing in my eyes. They are very special to me. I can provide love and support without being solely responsible for them. I can have fun learning games and teaching them new skills. Grandchildren are the gift we receive for having had children.
Not all family situations are joyful, unfortunately. Families become estranged for a variety of reasons. Bullying or abuse between siblings that is not addressed appropriately by parents can lead to a lifetime of resentment and pain. Disagreements over money can also lead to long-term problems. I have seen families split over differences in viewpoints related to a wide range of subjects. The recent Covid outbreak and differing views on masks and vaccines caused many rifts between people in general. Families did not escape this chaos.
There is an expression,” You can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family.” Families are complicated. Everyone in a family unit is an individual with their own personality, set of experiences and biases. Things are not always rosy. Accepting people for who they are is not always easy, especially within a family unit. Stepping back and assessing a situation without judging is critical for families to survive. Love and acceptance combined with flexibility and understanding can keep a family together. Building bridges rather than walls can restore relationships within a family. My own family has stepped up and been there for me when I have needed them most. I do my best to return the favour. There will always be differing opinions but the underlying core values come from the family, both current and past.
We are a product of the family we grew up in. Sometimes we chose a different path than the one our family laid out for us. Whatever your relationship with your family may be, be grateful for them. Without them, you wouldn’t be here. Celebrate your family.
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