Large families are communities unto their own.

Families share relationships based not only blood, but also the unique affiliation of a terribly long cord when measured in comparison with any other undertaking in a person’s life, from cradle to the grave if you will. These intimate associations create a bond of love, affection, goodwill, and joy that we seek to duplicate when we marry and begin creating our extended families.

A theatrical spectacle is inherent whenever family members congregate and reacquaint themselves with powerful universal themes educed from homecomings including hugs, food, drink, conversation, politics, games, music, conflict, terror, mercy, smiles, tears, prayers, misfortune, and self-discovery.

Family: a foundation! Family: a ‘cloth’ that keeps the ‘body’!

If a man's character is to be abused, say what you will, there's nobody like a relative to do the business.

That's how birthdays were in our house. All hateful charades of pretty clothes, expensive presents, and ugly words . . .