tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768728.post8728054111612547366..comments2023-11-05T07:32:07.024-05:00Comments on life's journey: we are familybilliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16206096509976316141noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768728.post-28297549312968602392007-07-20T12:20:00.000-04:002007-07-20T12:20:00.000-04:00hey b, 2 more weeks of school and intersnhip, yea...hey b, 2 more weeks of school and intersnhip, yeah!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for doing this post. you are the best. I wish more people were as enlightened as you. I do mean enlightened. I still am amazed at how many Americans feel justified in trying to determine what is acceptable for other Americans. When will they ever learn?<BR/><BR/>My wanting to marry the partner of my choice has nothing to do with their marriage, family, etc. It does have to do with me living my life as I see fit.<BR/><BR/>I remember how shocked me and my fellow classmates were a few years back to find out that an Indian exchange student was to be in an arranged marriage. well, telling someone they cannot marry another adult is just as bad as telling someone they have to marry another adult not of his or her choosing.<BR/><BR/>I do wish more people thought like you, b. have a great weekend.shawn (aka blogstud)https://www.blogger.com/profile/01253182945278897428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768728.post-58714742636557915222007-07-19T15:38:00.000-04:002007-07-19T15:38:00.000-04:00I think down deep we all have families with dysfun...I think down deep we all have families with dysfunction, some much more than others.<BR/><BR/>I have family through all their problems I care about, but I also have a close friend in Nashville, who with her husband are more family to me than my own.<BR/><BR/>We all need to be there for someone, as someone will always be there for us.<BR/><BR/>Good post!Larryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05283557503536810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768728.post-26536143096105393472007-07-19T12:23:00.000-04:002007-07-19T12:23:00.000-04:00For once, Betmo, we are in total agreement. Family...For once, Betmo, we are in total agreement. Family consists of people coming together to support one another, IMHO. To me, this is why gangs are so prevalent and such a part of society. Groups of young people, banding together, trying desperately to carve out a place in the world where they feel they will be safe, no matter what the cost. A place to belong. <BR/><BR/>I look back on my humble beginnings, and count myself lucky, that I am not one of those young kids out there, trying so hard to find someone to call family. <BR/><BR/>Or one of the elderly, locked away in some nursing home, waiting day after day for a visit, from someone, anyone, a familiar face, a family member. <BR/><BR/>To me, any group of people who can come together, and live in support and love for one another, have created a family. And blood really has nothing to do with it. Love and caring is what makes a family.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17564763971316563540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768728.post-66647004016988216702007-07-19T11:27:00.000-04:002007-07-19T11:27:00.000-04:00Well said, as usual, Betmo. Family is not necessa...Well said, as usual, Betmo. Family is not necessarily blood relation. I have friends who are as dear to me as any blood relative, maybe more.Peacechick Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16808832340636218022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23768728.post-10478572796077552832007-07-19T10:38:00.000-04:002007-07-19T10:38:00.000-04:00I have 6 brothers, 1 sister, and a mother and fath...I have 6 brothers, 1 sister, and a mother and father (both deceased now). We fought (physically) like cats and dogs. I like the term "unconditional love." There is no such thing as the "utopian" family.<BR/><BR/>Children need to know they are loved, cared for, cared about, and shown interest in, by adults.<BR/><BR/>I laugh when the right talks about what constitutes a "correct" family. Like a single person, or two men, or two women, can't raise a loving, normal, well adjusted, intelligent child. The "unconventional" family is nothing new. <BR/><BR/>For a child, love and acceptance by adults, is where they find it. If not at home then maybe a teacher, someone like you, a big brother or sister, anyone who has the best interests of the child, can show love, build self confidence and self esteem, while the child goes through the pains, mistakes, and insecurities of growing up.<BR/><BR/>It's the misguided Puritan morals of the right that builds guilt and low self esteem within a child. <BR/><BR/>Abusive situations are another disaster. I don't have the skills to talk about what's best for them (I'm probably over my head in this issue at all) except I think changing that situation, can only be good for the child.<BR/><BR/>The time this child spends with you might be the happiest times of her day, or life, so good job and keep that relationship going.Timehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09474837430855732529noreply@blogger.com