Speak Up reading - 147

Article #147 Family
What does the word "family" mean to you? The easiest way to define family is to
talk about who you are related to. Usually, there is a mom and a dad and children
who are brothers and sisters. This would be the "core" family. Then there is the
"extended" family which would include grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins,
nieces and nephews and in-laws (people married to your brothers or sisters, husband
or wife).
However, I think the word "family" has a much deeper meaning. The word "family"
brings words to my mind like: love, support, help, kindness, fun, love, trips,
closeness, love,
forgiving, sharing, love, understanding, respect and love! You'll notice one word
that is repeated over and over again. LOVE. I believe if a family has real love for
one another, they will be able to overcome any problems they may have. Actually,
they may not have too many problems if they all love and respect one another.
However, there are things that cannot be helped; like death, sickness or accidents. It
is during those hard times
that a family's love helps them to go through those experiences. We had quite a few
children in my family. There were brothers and sisters which included an adopted
brother and a number of foster children, too. I was also very fortunate that I had both
my mom and dad to live with and do things like vacations together. We had a lot of
fun and there were sometimes of tears, too. Above all, we love one another! Family
is a wonderful thing! I am so lucky!