If you had to choose one photo that characterizes what you love best about your family, what photo would you choose?
I chose this photo for many reasons.
Multigenerational
In this photo there are three generations. I value the fact that our large, extended family includes respect for all generations. We value what each generation brings to our lives and include all generations in most celebrations and gatherings.
Gathering
I love the fact that our family has a long history of gathering to celebrate events great and small. This is likely a photo of a Sunday dinner in the 1950's. Multigenerational Sunday and holiday dinners have been a mainstay of my family life.
Storytelling
At family gatherings, I always looked forward to the storytelling. We often sat and listened to family members tell colorful, spirited stories of their lives and interactions. Often same stories were told over and over again--this was a wonderful way to build and spread our family culture between and amongst family members.
Support
As I look at the many people sitting around the table, I am reminded of the supports those people provided to one another. Parents taking care of children, children taking care of parents, siblings caring for siblings, and cousins caring for cousins.
Diversity
The family members in the picture all lived somewhat different lifestyles. Some lived on their own and others lived with large families. Some married and some did not. Some faced early health issues and others lived very long lives. No matter the differences, the gatherings, support, and acceptance of one another continued throughout good times and challenging times.
Making do
You can see that the space here is an ordinary room in a home, and the many family members are squished around the table demonstrating that happiness doesn't require fancy, ornate, large spaces, but instead, making do with what you have and finding joy in your camaraderie.
Joy
There are many smiles in this picture demonstrating the joy and happiness that has been a mainstay in my large, extended family. I want this joy to continue, and hope to contribute to this as well.