It can be disconcerting when people around us change. Family members and especially parents frequently resist acknowledging transformation in other family members. Depending upon the nature of the personality modification, they might even resent if it a family member changes as any fundamental personality revision by a member of a family alters the group’s identity as well.

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.

Large families are communities unto their own.

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.