A link is something that ties or connects two or
more things together in some way.
Families are full of connections or links among relatives
because of their common backgrounds, culture, and experiences. As children grow
and leave the home these commonalities can change and evolve. Hopefully there
is still a common bond of love and belonging that reaches across this
divergence. The opportunity came to me recently to have six of my seven grandchildren visit with their parents. Overwhelming but delightful were those rare moments of connecting. Whether it was cooking with my son or the two youngest grandkids sitting on my lap or talking heart to heart with a teenage grand daughter, there were times never to be forgotten that strengthened our linkage. It’s possible for those without children to feel this with extended family: nieces and nephews, siblings and/or friends who can become as close as family. Everyone needs connections to give them stability and purpose in their lives.
Some
of my offspring don’t believe this and avoid our informal reunions. It’s their
loss, but ours also as a family. Life is too short not to build and strengthen relationships with others.
Communication problems or differences in lifestyles can cause this. It’s heart
breaking, but in this modern generation of doing your own thing, traditional families are sometimes looked upon as old
fashioned and unnecessary. Individuals
without children, single parents, blended and stepfamilies add to the diversity
of these relationships, yet there is always a need for bonding and belonging
between kinfolk of all ages.
When
links are broken through not marrying, death, divorce or disagreement, there
are still connections existing because of shared earlier experiences. Family
beginnings can’t be forgotten because of family endings. Relationships are for
our learning and progression. We also need links to our roots. Family stories
preserved and passed on to our younger generations can give us that sense of
continuity, and provide nourishment for understanding our place in our family. If
we don’t value the contributions of our progenitors enough to document or
record in words, there is a vacuum.
Who keeps the traditions from your family
alive? It’s usually the older generation who lived through many experiences
that value the lessons of life they were taught by their loving parents and
grandparents through example. Maybe it’s time for you to write down memories of your own life in order to
strengthen your family. NEXT TIME: Bridges.