My family and I headed to Arizona today, traveling as a caravan. My husband and youngest daughter lead the way, driving a small mini van we’d rented. I followed in my small SUV. And behind me, my oldest daughter drove her car with her youngest brother, riding shotgun. Both our cars were loaded with stuff to be moved.
As always, this is a drive we dread—long, boring scenery, hot and dusty, no matter that the windows are up and the air is recirculating. But each time we journey this trek, although we moan and groan beforehand, once we’re on our way, we manage to make it a fun trip. Today was no exception.
And when my youngest son transferred to ride shotgun with me at the halfway point, that’s what we discussed—how there are times in life when we must do things that aren’t our first choice, but if we set about doing those tasks with a positive attitude, things tend to go better for everyone.
Before long, that threw us onto a tangent where our conversation twisted into one about family and how family should always stand by family. How, regardless that members may squabble, when it comes down to it, family supports its own. Period! No questions! Without hesitation!
I found myself impressed with how in tune with this philosophy my youngest son is.
My husband came from a family that embraced this mentality, while I came from something quite the opposite. Growing up, I was surrounded by a myriad of divorces, ill tempers, distrust and a host of other less-than-favorable conditions. And as far back as I can recall, I dreamt of creating a family unit that was strong, devoted to one another and would fiercely defend one another, no matter what our differences might be at the time.
When my husband and I decided to start our family, we had many discussions regarding family solidarity during which I expressed how above anything else, that was my number one priority. Through the neat three decades my husband and I have been together, I’ve never waivered from that objective, my husband supporting me every step of the way.
Driving with my youngest son today, I was treated to one of those amazing parenting moments. You know the kind, when your child does or says something that makes you realize they’ve not only listened to your teachings, but have adopted them as their own life philosophies. Yup, that’s what happened during my son’s and my tangent conversation when he stressed that family should always support family—no matter what.
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