Monday, May 3, 2010

In praise of the extended family

One of the things we've lost in the last hundred years or so is extended families living close to the natal home.  In days gone by mom and pop parceled their 500 acres to their adult children who then built their homestead next to the folks.  This strengthened familial connections, provided a ready support system, and fostered multi-generational relationships.  Cousins grew up as best friends.  Aunts and Uncles were an important adult presence in the lives of their young nieces and nephews.  Grandchildren and great-grandchildren had ready access to their grandparents.  Today's mobile society disallows such living arrangements and we are the less for it.

All of this to say:  I absolutely enjoyed the brief time we spent with my nieces, Sylvia and Rebecca, who flew out from Georgia and Mississippi, respectively, to attend a "Time Out for Women" conference with my daughter-in-law, Amy.  Thank you so much for taking the time yesterday to visit with us in our home.  We love you for it.

I think it's time to organize a family reunion, don't you?