2-27-2022 7:12pm

The Importance of Family

Christine Larkin Editor

Whether you're married, living with a partner, single, living alone, or dating, family plays a significant role in our lives. The importance of family hasn't changed, but the definition of it has. How ever we define it, family is essential to well-being, a feeling of belonging, and a sense of purpose. It isn't any longer just blood relatives but can extend to close friends that feel like family. Whoever it is, the family remains the nucleus of our lives.

The answer to the question “what does family mean?” is both difficult to answer and highly subjective. The word has shifted its meaning considerably since it entered our language, currently contains many different senses, and in at least one of these senses may signify different things to different people. The earliest uses of family denoted “a group of persons in the service of an individual,” a sense that is now archaic. Although this early meaning may seem far away from the way that most of us use family today, it is not surprising when we consider that the word comes from the Latin familia, which meant “household,” a designation that included both servants and relatives.

In modern use family may refer to one of a number of different groups of people or things collectively, including people who may or may not share ancestry. Family is often encountered in legal use, but even within the jargon of the law it is not restricted to a single meaning. In many legal contexts family denotes “individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption,” but in others the definition may be somewhat broader, encompassing groups of individuals not related by these things.

How ever you slice it, we can't cut family out of our lives. It's what we are born to be a part of.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

I am a columnist and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, and daily life in and around Bay Shore for Skylark Live Town News. Be sure to subscribe to my free SLTN newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email. If you wish, you can make a one-time donation in the amount you desire or a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15) to help support Skylark Live Town News. You can also advertise your business or event on SLTN as well. It's easy and convenient to do. Take a look around my feed.

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