Luci’s Thoughts on Family

Family is not just that bunch of people who share your genes and holidays. They are not just the ones you go have dinner with; they are the ones you stay after with to help do the dishes, or come early to help clean. They are not just the ones you send a get well card or flowers; they are the ones you spend all day (and if needed  the night) in a hospital chair with, just because you don't want them to be there alone. (even though you know you won't really get any sleep and will feel terrible tomorrow.)

They are not just the ones you go fishing with; they are the ones you help fix their tractor so you can help them till their corn or mow their yard.  Maybe they can go fishing with you another time. They aren't just the ones you go to the movies with; they are the ones you move furniture with, just because their furniture needs moving, even if you moved it 6 months ago and you know your back will ache tomorrow.

They aren't just the ones you play corn hole or computer games with or build rockets or robots with; they are the ones you help build a building because their building needs to be built and you know how, or you are willing to learn and get blisters. They aren't just the ones you laugh with at the party; they are the ones you try to think of funny stories to tell when they are blue; the ones you cry with when you know a story just won't work. A smile comes to your face when you see them step into the room. An even bigger smile comes to your face when you see they are smiling. You can't be jealous or resentful of family, because you share in their success. You don't just feel sorry for family, you do what you can to make things better for them. Your life is better when theirs is better. They are not just the ones you hang out with; they are the ones you are willing to put yourself out for. The best thing about family is  -  you know they feel the same way about you.

Luci