“Think of your family today and everyday thereafter, don’t let the busy world of today keep you from showing how much you love and appreciate your family” ANONYMOUS

Our families are forever, and though sometimes we drive each other nuts, what matters most is that we drive each other!

Everyone goes through high and low points in life; each journey gives no time factor, age or gender requirements to the challenges it brings along the way.

Having family around us ought to give us some form of support and assurance, but more often than not, this is not the case. Why? Because we all seem to be drawn into our own cocoon, thinking our triumphs and challenges are more important than the other person’s, making us oblivious to what the other person is feeling.

Everyone has his or her own fair share of trouble, and no trouble is greater than another’s. It’s our personality, coping methods and also those we surround ourselves with that help us face whatever comes our way. Your family should be your anchor during rough waters and though blood makes you related, loyalty makes you family.

Tiger woods went through hell and back, he thought all was lost. He kept hearing negative commentaries from people – friends, strangers, acquaintances – but I bet those that really mattered to him were speaking soft, motivating and encouraging words behind the scenes and distracting the noise which only him could hear… that was all he needed in those times. When he made his come back, the ovation was loud and he felt good as he gravitated towards those people that kept him going through his dark moments; his mother, children, coach and girlfriend. kA word, hugs, silence, space, time, what ever is needed to give to those we love is all that is really required.

We must make conscious efforts to probe, care, ask, support, assist and rally round ourselves within the family setup. Each one has his or her own baggage and strength.  We must identify and respect the strengths which might be needed at a point in time for the greater good of the whole. Our weakness must also be acknowledged, and this is when the support system is very crucial.

At a time when I had some challenging crossroad moments in trying to make some major life decisions and it was taking a toll on me, it was my husband first as well as my siblings who noticed that I was loosing my shine. They reminded me of who I am and what I’m made of as they helped me retrace my steps to regain my balance and remain focused. When you hear your daughter’s say words like “do you, mum”, “you’ve come too far to stop now”, “I admire your faith and strength”, you get up, shakeup yourself, and keep it going!

We must not take advantage of others’ vulnerability and also not take each other for granted. We each have something to offer one another and must show love and appreciation while we still can. An academically challenged child, a health challenged mother, a father with financial challenges or grandparents with terminal sickness are part of what can be thrown unto our path. What matters most is how we interpret and deal with these issues while we surround ourselves with the right people. Trials stop us on our tracks to ensure that we focus more on what really matters.

With family, we speak the truth in love because we care. We say it as it is because we are not people pleasers or ego enhancers. It is either black or white with no grey areas. When one is down, we lift, encourage and push. During trials or tragedy, we stick together and offer the needed support.

We each have our identity as well as a sense of belonging. We do not feel threatened amongst ourselves, as we are not in competition but accountable to one another.

During times of triumph, we share each other’s joy and happiness without envy or jealousy and, wish each other well. We are our brothers and sisters keeper through thick and thin. We celebrate our efforts, milestones and achievements. Because we are stronger together, we make sacrifices today for our tomorrow.

We do not see ourselves as perfect but in our imperfections, we complete one another as well as appreciate our differences. We share in each other’s pain, sorrow, burden and respect or allow for space when needed.

We fight, quarrel, get angry and disappoint ourselves but we have it in our hearts to forgive, let go, and move on because deep inside our hearts is the bond we share that mustn’t be broken for the sake of our lineage.

We stand strongly on our values and hold into our creed that we are accountable to for life, while also passing onto our children and unborn generation. This also serves as foundation in building family institutions and enterprises.

The family Institution plays a very important role in giving stability to the society; it is a major and basic social institution from which other social institutions have grown and developed.

Our goal should be towards cultivating strong loving families that provide unconditional love and acceptance. No one must be left alone, left behind or forgotten because family is not just an important thing, it is everything!