Family. It comes in all sizes, shapes, religions; by blood, by injection, by love alone. I’m all about family these days! And why not? My family sure rocks a gathering. My family these days include me, my sibs, my kids, my grandkids, my kids’ families, and anyone else I deem to break bread with. And that can be anyone, believe me. If you are kind to me, if you are compassionate to others, if you dance, then you are a beloved member of my family.
I just had the honor of meeting my son’s new family. His lovely bride, Candice, has fun and joy written all over her. Her family is spirited, kind, loving to each other and welcomed me into that beautiful circle. I love them so much for bringing such beauty and harmony into my son’s life.
Yeah, I love family. Number 1 son was number 2 son’s best man and had a lovely speech the likes of Don Rickles all set to present. He changed his mind at the last minute as he realized it was a wedding and not a roast. Ah, brotherly love! Shades of “he used to beat me up so I pulled his arm out of the socket” became “my brother is awesome and I love Candice for enriching his life, Welcome to the family. We wish you every happiness”. Or words to that effect. Family.
I remember one Christmas many years ago in Miami when we sometimes had no food. My dad was having a lean period and there was no Christmas dinner. We had some neighbors who were worse off than we were. So, my folks invited the single mom and her son to dinner..we shared our .baloney sandwiches. They were family after that.
Hillary Clinton had the right idea…it does take a village. Not just to raise a child but to co-exist with fellow human beings. We are in this together, no matter what “this” looks like. I’m making a commitment today to extend my family; to extend myself…if you need me, if I can help you in any way, just ask. And if you can dance, even better!