Family is so important.

If ever there was a more obvious statement made by anybody... this could be it. This is a statement that, without words, is understood by the whole of humanity as a very foundational element of human existence. The more obvious needs met by the family unit(namely those relating to physical survival) tend to reflect some of the other needs(such as emotional, intellectual, social) which should be at least addressed by the family as well. Every person experiences trials in all of these areas on a daily basis and how we deal with, experience, and understand our trials largely stems from what we have learned through our experiences with our family. Certainly, we gain similarly valuable experience from so many sources not related to our family experience but the core of it all comes from our family in some way. The family is part of one's foundation. I am FAR more lucky than I could ever hope to be for the family I am a part of... which generates a constant source of gratitude in my life. I only feel to express my gratitude for their presence in my life at the moment. I feel I can not be more grateful than I am right now. This holiday season has been a great reminder of that.