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 bothers 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 some times of tears, too. Above all, we love one another! Family is a wonderful thing! I am so lucky!
