Family

When you hear the word ‘family’ your mind instantly applies a definition. Other words you may know but with this word you not only get a definition, you probably have pictures that spring to mind.

Maybe you see your child’s birthday party or Thanksgiving dinner, a wedding. We tend to see pictures of family in the larger sense………….the extended family.

Recently, another picture of family was taken in my mind’s eye as I was honored to assist with the passing of my Father in Law, Ronald Thomas. It was an ordeal of sorts and it meant a lack of sleep for several days but it was an experience that I appreciate.

I saw family as it should be…………all members of the family rallying to provide comfort and support to Mr. Thomas…………..and to each other. There was heartbreak and tears but there was also a sense of closeness and belonging that is rare. It is during times like this when you realize just how important that word ‘family’ is.

Ronald Thomas died at 1:31 PM on Monday 28 July 2008. I know precisely the moment because I was beside him and listening as his heart finally stopped. It was not a moment of sadness. I felt relief that the struggle had ended. There would be no more pain.

Over the next several days I was impressed and amazed at the numbers of people who came to his home to pay their respects. They brought food and iced tea. There was fried chicken, baked ham and of course………..potato salad. Lots of potato salad.

Friends and neighbors, people who knew him a long time ago, people who lived down the road and waved as they passed by………….they all came. I sat out on the porch thinking that it is a very good thing to live in the South. When the tough times come here the word ‘family’ just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Even the sad occasions re-affirm then the importance of family. Do not forget that. And don’t wait for sadness. If there is a problem between you and your brother or sister or uncle………..whoever………in your family………do something about that. You share blood. You are family. When the chips are down it will be that person there to help. Let there be no animosity there at that time.

Family…………as I saw it this week I was also reminded of the closing for each Good Morning UpCountry.

“Y’all…………..take care of one another”