The Close Knit American Family is a Thing of the Past

I spent Sunday scanning photos that my Grandmother kept in her hope chest. She passed
in 2006 and this year we sold her treasured home in Connecticut.

Before I get to the meat of my thoughts, I have to mention that I spent a great deal of time
at that home. I met all of my Grandmother's siblings there, got to know my Mom's brothers and sister
and plenty of cousins.

I learned the value of a close family and how nothing is an obstacle as long as your family is beside you. I learned my heritage and where I got my sentimental and intense personality from (my Great Aunt Alice!).

Back to the photos: as I went through them, I noticed my Grandmother and her sibling stayed close.
That made me wonder. What happened to the close knit family? Admittedly, mine fell apart after Gram's death. I rarely talk to my brothers let alone see them. This means I hardly see my nieces and nephews.  Holiday get togethers are basically non-existent.

It's sad. But at least I had that close tie early in life.

These days, family time is interrupted by cell phones, TV, work.......  Kids don't get that important building block of what it means to be part of a group that is unconditionally there. Parents and kids alike head off into their own worlds and take each other for granted.

TVland and Nickelodeon had a campaign about being at the "family table" for the last few years.  They recognized research that showed families rarely sitting at the dinner table. I love it!

When was the last time your family sat together at the table? If your kids are grown, when did you last get together? When did you last (if you are blessed to still have them) see your parents?

It's time to bring back the family.  Don't wait for a call. Make the first move. Eat dinner at the table with your kids (technology not allowed). Do I really have to list ideas? Do you have any creative ideas to keep in touch?

I miss my family connection. I don't want you to miss yours too.