”No one is ever born into life alone. Everyone has shared the bond of family, at least at birth, and for many people, it is a bond that will follow them throughout life. For many people, it is the most essential bond of all.”
I was lucky enough to have in my life a family filled with love, compassion, acceptance, and tolerance. I am what I am as a direct result of a family life where belonging is imperative. It is gratifying to my health and one of the reasons why I am still alive. Without my family’s caring nature, I cannot conceive living alone.
When I was younger, I tagged along with my sister, her husband, and two boys. Have a van, and we travelled anywhere. I was more than welcome to join since I can chop woods and carry water on top of being a babysitter. Stopping on a pristine crystal clear rocky river bed to cool off on the way to the campground is always part of the fun.
I used to drive the children around and take them on a field trip. Sometimes, I am the one that takes them out for the weekend of cub scouts or brings the boys along on a camping trip without the parents. Yes, they trusted me with their children. Trust is essential.
Years flew by, and I am the one being driven around by their fifth child. Making a short conversation so that I don’t distract him while driving, I asked: “Aren’t you much too young to drive as a sixteen-year-old?” He quickly exclaimed: “I’m seventeen years old!” “Oh, pardon me, young man,” I responded. His father beside him was chuckling while he teaches his son to drive. No, I wasn’t scared of a young person driving me home. I trust him.
Life is all about the play when I am with my sister’s grandson. At his age, everything is magical, even playing hide and seek behind a jug of water. ROAR, he screamed as he was trying to scare me with his dinosaur sound.
Through thick and thin, our family will pass the bonding to the younger generation. I am hopeful that we have shown them the importance of forming an intimate family unit as a cornerstone of our existence.
Thanks. Kids learned from you too.
It takes a village to raise a child ♥️
Poteet
A beautiful tribute to your family Perpetua – I so agree with their importance. I am always sad for those who are alone in this world. Loved your images this week too. Very clever shot in the car mirror and wonderful artistic quality to your shot of your grand-nephew (is that a word?!)
Thanks, Tina. These kids grow up too fast.
I love what you write with each photo. I guess that’s what blogging is all about — sharing ourselves as well as our photos!
Thank you. Photography helps me write and I was about to use the name of your site. as a topic for Lens-Artist on reflection!
Use whatever you like. I just blog for fun, and any time someone likes a post, it just makes the exercise even more fun. Stay healthy!
I could hear the dinosaur sound from here! 😀 So cute when they do that.
Kids have a way of giving sound effects on any activities they play, Lois. Very entertaining.
What a truly blessed family experience.
Thank you.
Welcome.
Family is important and you are lucky to have such a great one!
Thank you.