Family First?

Some people have their own opinions. Some disagree, some get angry, others never forgive or forget. Family, though, I always thought, should come before any rash action or hurtful, selfishly satisfying comment. We can't get away from the fact that we always seem to find comments like this slipping out of our mouths--at least my mouth--because it's so easy to give in to our fundamental ape-like instincts driving us with fear, adrenaline, and spur of the moment impulses. We're only humans after all.

When I find those vomit-tasting comments slipping past my better judgment and tongue-biting defense, they never sound as poinient or justifying as it did resonating in my head. I usually know pretty quickly that the statement was out of line, immediately deflating my own argument with the reality that I gave in to parsimonious satisfaction, took the easier way, became the lesser person. I think, at least hope, that momentary relapses like these are all a part of being human.

It's what we do after we step out of line that truly defines us. Do we make an effort to apologize, call the person back, admit that we crossed a line? We can't hope to be perfect people, no one can. But, I think, it's admitting and accepting our own inherent fallibility that helps us develop, grow into people that become the bearers of integrity. Admitting you're wrong isn't admitting a weakness--it's showing you care enough to not only to give respect, but to be respected.

People disagreeing is normal, it will always be a part of human interaction, but above all, the bottom line is that family comes first. Nancie was never a part of the family. She ran away when she was fifteen, usurped money her whole life, cared nothing for the well being of her parents, both physically and mentally. She turned away, spit in the face of what matters most, and never looked back.

After all, there are plenty of enemies in the world! Why waste our time fighting with the few friends and family we have?