What does family look like? Nuclear, blended, extended or step? A couple with pets? A single parent with one child? A group of close friends? They're all family, says Dr. Wong, who advises taking some time this Monday to think about the people you call family, as B.C. celebrates its first Family Day.
Photograph by: Dreamstime , for the NOW
On every Boxing Day as far back as I can remember, my maternal aunts, uncles and cousins have gathered not just to celebrate Christmas but also family. Last year was the first time my dear Auntie Marj wasn't there.
She passed away on Jan. 5 after living a full life as a wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. Like my mother, she leaves behind a legacy of love that began in childhood and continues in future generations.
When my mom was nine, her widowed mother died, leaving all nine children orphaned. The older siblings, including Aunt Marj, Mamie and Hazel, decided not to abandon the younger ones, who would likely have been moved to orphanages.
In everyday acts of courage and love, all the brothers and sisters were clothed, fed and educated. They had committed their lives to looking after one another. I believe my aunts were my mom's best friends.
That's why my mom always told us of the importance of family. She would remind me as a teen more interested in going out with friends.
"Your friends may come and go," she said, "but this family will always be here for you."
She was right, of course.
As we celebrate our province's first Family Day on Feb. 11, we have to recognize that families come in many forms. We have single parents, same-sex parents, adoptive parents and blended families. We have couples married or not married, some with pets but without children.
I consider them all families when two or more people come together in love and create a home.
It is in our family relationships that we learn to love, accept one another, give and receive graciously.
Families are as imperfect as we all are, and I know of many who have grown up with conflict, neglect or abuse. Difficult childhood experiences shape our sense of self-worth and influence our future relationships. With courage and assistance, some have overcome their difficult beginnings and created more meaningful relationships and homes in adulthood.
Instead of treating this first Family Day as just a new statutory holiday, reflect on your own family of origin and your family today. Think about those you know who do not have families, and if you think you are without a family, remember the friends who love you.
Wherever you are loved and feel at home, there is your family.
. Dr. Davidicus Wong is a family physician at the PrimeCare Medical Centre. His Healthwise column appears regularly in this paper. You can read more about achieving your positive potential for health at davidicuswong.wordpress. com.
