What does "family" mean to you?
My meaning of family comes from my own family of origin. Our family of six was and still is very very close. We all know that we've got each other's backs ... no matter what. And this philosophy applies to the extended family as well - grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins.
The community I grew up in is also considered "family". We call the elder men "Uncle" and the elder women "Auntie". Hawaii is made up of lots of uncles and aunties.
When it comes to familial obligations, there is just a sense that you jump in to help ...whenever you see someone in need of assistance. This can be as small as assisting with carrying in the groceries or moving things out of the way if one's path is obstructed or cleaning up together after a gathering or even just opening and holding a door open for someone. This is called "kokua" or everyone helps out for the greater good.
It is challenging to teach my daughter this concept in a world...in a society... where everyone is just looking out for him or herself. My only saving grace is that we have been given many opportunities for her to be around her Hawaii family members. She is such a different person with them. She is loving, caring...and HELPFUL!!!
I am looking forward to my upcoming visit to Hawaii in a few days. I miss my family. I miss the unspoken understanding that you are loved no matter what....that you are welcomed home like the prodigal son.
Now how does this experience compare to my nuclear family here in San Francisco? Let me just say...it is very different. It works....
Families are what they are. They develop your values, your concept of the world, and your character. What is your family unit like? What does "family" mean to you?
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