What makes a family?

A typical family; mother, father and the children. But is there really such thing as a normal family? How easy it is for somebody to only judge the exterior walls without uncovering the whole house? In the television series 'Wife Swap', wives from different families swap homes to see what it feels like to fit into another person's shoes. In most cases, it was very hard for the wives to accept their new husbands and families. The trust and acceptance they had held towards their real families could not be re-established in their new homes.

It's hard to doubt the fact that all families are dysfunctional. When you have dissimilar personalities living under one roof almost everyday of their lives, it's only a matter of time before disputes start. With outsiders whom you find objectionable, you can simply walk away, but you can't do that with family. An Aunt of mine suffered many mental-breakdowns as a teenager because of the verbal and physical abuse her father had inflicted onto her, her mother and younger brother. But as she grew older and wiser, she thanked her father for her later success.

It's true what they say that you can't choose your family. People often view other peoples' families through rose colored glasses. It's like envying a piece of clothing worn by someone else but once it's on your own back, it will gradually lose its value. It's easy to take something or someone for granted, to expect your family's care without questioning its worth. Family among all other things in this world will not last forever. I read last week in the New Zealand Herald a true story about a New Zealand woman who had lost her husband and three daughters to the Haiti Earthquake. That was just one among many equally traumatizing occurrences. The family did not expect their lives together to end so abruptly, they were still looking forward to a fulfilling life together. From this story, it is stated how easily families are torn apart. We need to appreciate every second with our family because we won't have them forever. The blessing of a happy family will always be immeasurable.