A family can come in various shapes and sizes. My family consists of a loving wife and 3 wonderful kids. Our kids are constantly learning what it takes and means to be part of a real family. We remind our children that they should never take being part of a family for granted. Having a family takes work. It is not always easy or fun, but if being a family is done right then it is forever.

A family is supportive, loving, caring, available, and honest.

Supportive - A family should support you through the good and bad. Helping along the way.

Loving - A family should love you unconditionally. Saying "I love you" and showing that you love someone are two totally different things. Love is a verb and is never a word that should be used as "filler" for a sentence.

Caring - A family should care and show interest in you and your life.

Available - A family should be available to you. Available to be supportive, loving, caring, and honest. Being available is not always convenient; however, a true family makes an effort to be available in your time of need.

Honest - A family must be honest. Always! No matter the situation. Partial truths, the hiding of events, and outright lies do not belong in a family. If you subscribe to this theory "I have never lied to you, I have always told you some version of the truth." then there is something terribly wrong.


As we approach this Christmas season, I believe that it is important to remember that a family can not be bought. Spending money on someone is never as important as the time that you spend with them. Memories are not bought and paid for at Wal-Mart. A warm embrace, a smile, and a conversation with the ones that you love are the memories that will last a lifetime.

I once heard someone say, "I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." Our family is a product of me and my wife.

Christmas is rapidly approaching. I will receive gifts and open presents. What I will treasure the most is the time with family and the memories we will make.

I have a wonderful wife, and 3 special kids. I have a family!

Nothing else matters...

Sterling