Family?

Dictionary.com defines family as...

1. a. a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the traditional family.
b. a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for: a single-parent family.
2. the children of one person or one couple collectively
3. the spouse and children of one person
4. any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins
5. a group of persons who form a household under one head, including parents, children, and servants.

A family can be and should be much more than that! Families spend time together. Families love each other, support one another, and much more. How can you be a family if you do not spend time together? I am not saying that a couple should not spend time alone. If anything, Shauna and I went through a stretch of time where we did not take enough time for just the two of us. We were so focused on being a family and teaching/showing the importance of family; we let our marriage take a backseat. There is a fine line between having some "couple time" and constantly dropping your child at a babysitter so that you can take trips, attend events, and etc. It would seem to me that finding the balance between "couple time" and family time is the key to a well rounded family.

I believe that quite frequently people have children because that is what they think they should do. Some people have no desire to be parents, real parents. See...a parent should provide more than just a roof, food, and etc. A parent has a responsibility to make memories, teach, love, support, discipline, and instill values in their child. Being a parent means sometimes not doing what you want but doing what your child wants or what is in their best interest. There is no place for selfishness in a family. You can not play parent when it is convenient to you! Should you really be a half-ass guardian of a child? You either are totally committed to raising and shaping that young person or you aren't; there is no in between. It is pretty cut and dried.

I am disgusted by people who pretend to be "parents" and portray a family when they are the furthest thing from it. Having the financial means to be a parent does not necessarily mean that you should be. I am a part of a FAMILY! My family makes memories, has traditions, and Shauna and I truly enjoy spending time with our kids. My heart goes out to the children who know no true "parents". Guardians who, by their own choice, will not put up a tree, establish Christmas traditions, or be at home for Christmas. Christmas morning their child will not wake up at home and see presents from Santa.

As much as I might like to, I cannot save or change the world...I am fully aware of this. All I can do is continue to take care of my family. I will strive to be the best husband and father that I can be. I will not always succeed but can guarantee that I am and will remain dedicated to being a "real" parent! My kids deserve and expect nothing less.

This Christmas as you celebrate with your family and hopefully make memories, remember those children who are not as fortunate. On paper, it may look like those children are better off being with their current guardians, but are they?

Is he?

Absolutely NOT!


Sterling