Family Connections
Mamma Mia! I know Italy isn’t the only country known to celebrate the importance of family, but it’s the Italian family I’ll be focusing on in this issue’s Corner.
Each resource I consulted while preparing this piece indicated family solidarity in Italy isn’t limited to the nuclear family, rather, it is widespread to include those members that extend beyond Mamma, Papa, bambinas and bambinos. Regardless of the family’s size, communal gatherings are large and frequent and such ongoing events serve to develop children most likely to become adults carrying on that same tradition.
I grew up without grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins because they lived in another country. My siblings and I did not have any endearing or enduring relationships with any members of my extended family, nor did my parents. I can recall a total of six opportunities wherein I had any contact with my grandparents before their deaths, so no relationship with them meant no mutual benefits shared between the two generations.
I am the grandmother of a two-year old with whom I have been involved since his birth. My husband and I started taking care of him a few days a week when he was just three months old. But we’re not the only extended family involved in his life--countless (I really mean, countless) family members are an integral part of his life. He is learning the importance of connection and will one day pass that along to his own family when the rest of us no longer occupy space on this planet.
Developed connections come to play when we have something to celebrate, and someone to mourn. At the beginning of the year, we lost a sister to cancer, and because of the extended family’s ongoing relationship, we celebrated her life while supporting each other in our grief—support that wasn’t limited to the day of her memorial service. Going it alone in life is rarely a wise social choice. Mutual efforts to give and receive support during difficult times, or to throw a party when the occasion calls for it, feeds our souls and further strengthens the bonds that connect us.
May you all find community, whether found through family members or acquaintances. We all know that family expands beyond its traditional definition. It is comprised of those with whom we find relationship, in whose company we are free to be ourselves and still be accepted.
Che la tua cerchia familiare cresca ogni giorno di più.
May your family circle grow bigger every day.
Each resource I consulted while preparing this piece indicated family solidarity in Italy isn’t limited to the nuclear family, rather, it is widespread to include those members that extend beyond Mamma, Papa, bambinas and bambinos. Regardless of the family’s size, communal gatherings are large and frequent and such ongoing events serve to develop children most likely to become adults carrying on that same tradition.
I grew up without grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins because they lived in another country. My siblings and I did not have any endearing or enduring relationships with any members of my extended family, nor did my parents. I can recall a total of six opportunities wherein I had any contact with my grandparents before their deaths, so no relationship with them meant no mutual benefits shared between the two generations.
I am the grandmother of a two-year old with whom I have been involved since his birth. My husband and I started taking care of him a few days a week when he was just three months old. But we’re not the only extended family involved in his life--countless (I really mean, countless) family members are an integral part of his life. He is learning the importance of connection and will one day pass that along to his own family when the rest of us no longer occupy space on this planet.
Developed connections come to play when we have something to celebrate, and someone to mourn. At the beginning of the year, we lost a sister to cancer, and because of the extended family’s ongoing relationship, we celebrated her life while supporting each other in our grief—support that wasn’t limited to the day of her memorial service. Going it alone in life is rarely a wise social choice. Mutual efforts to give and receive support during difficult times, or to throw a party when the occasion calls for it, feeds our souls and further strengthens the bonds that connect us.
May you all find community, whether found through family members or acquaintances. We all know that family expands beyond its traditional definition. It is comprised of those with whom we find relationship, in whose company we are free to be ourselves and still be accepted.
Che la tua cerchia familiare cresca ogni giorno di più.
May your family circle grow bigger every day.
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Irene Frances Olson
Author of Requiem for the status quo, a novel that celebrates and encourages family caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. You can find that book HERE. Ms. Olson is a member of AlzAuthors, www.alzauthors.com, a compendium of authors who have all been affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementia. These authors share their experiences to bring knowledge, comfort and understanding to those on a similar journey. |
