As the holidays get closer, it is entirely possible that you might feel a growing sense of doom, having to deal with people who are not part of your daily life.
We live in a compartmentalized world where even close relationships with your family members can be challenging.
As someone over the half century mark, I like to think that I have learned a few things along the way.
One of them came from my mother, whom I have called the grand lady of Pine Street. To her family was the most important part of life. That didn't suggest always rolling over and playing dead in family controversies, but it did mean never turning your back on a family member no matter how far they had fallen. My mother had a brother who faced some tough times, but he was always welcome in our home.
The one thing we have taught our kids is that "home is where you are always welcome." As long as my wife and I can provide the environment, it will be a place where the children will come and can leave their cares at the door for along as they want.
We'll help them and sometimes even question or challenge them, but if they need a spot to rest from the challenges of daily life, home is the place.
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