Everybody has one. They come in all colors and sizes—large, small, and in between. Each is distinct and has its own personality. They share laughter and sorrow, great times and bad, words of encouragement and sometimes anger. When families are good, they’re very, very good. And when they are bad, they’re horrid.

Families need nurturing to be healthy and possess these characteristics.

F — Familiarity. They know your strengths and your weaknesses, your awkward moments and your successes. If you’re close, they know your dreams and disappointments and stand with you in both. Maintain you family relationships.

A — Acceptance. This is a tough one but so vital. We all need one place where we don’t have to prove ourselves or vie for approval, where someone will say, “Oh, that’s how my sister is” and it’s okay. Affirm a sibling today.

M — Moments. So many years, so many moments that define us and make us who we are today. Some of those moments offered challenges to overcome, others strengthened and encouraged us. Make your moments count.

I — Individuality. Each of us is unique in good and bad ways—and we live(d) under one roof. Our personalities and experiences created the package we’ve become. Honor it, value it, accept it.  

L — Loyalty. What is it about family ties? My family is MINE. Nothing changes that—even dysfunctional families will defend their parents and siblings. It’s a matter of belonging, being part of something. Be loyal to those God gave you, even if they disappoint.

Y — Yesterdays. Memories, experiences, adventures, embarrassments, laughter, and tears. Build a memory today that will become part of your yesterday.

I’m taking time off to spend with my favorite people! I’ll be back next week.

Our neighbors are no longer nestled indoors and neither are we. Sights we missed in other seasons are showing off. Here are just a few favorites:

• Yellow sun against a blue sky and sudden storms that hide both
• Growth—veggies and flowers showing themselves in our gardens and patio pots
• Children splashing in pools and running through sprinklers
• Walkers, hand-holders, hikers, and bikers
• Backyard gatherings and burgers on the grill
• Colorful birds swooping in for sunflower seeds and spattering in birdbaths  
• Sandy beaches, rolling waves, and kites dotting the sky
• Pick-up ball games and busy playgrounds
• Hopscotch grids chalked on sidewalks
• The glow of fire pits and gooey marshmallows bobbing on sticks
• Flittering butterflies and fascinating lightening bugs delighting young and old
• People on porches, stoops, and decks, chatting and laughing

Look around your neighborhood. What summer sights do you see?

Yesterday summer officially arrived welcoming delicious foods unique to the season. Our kitchens and patios will offer the treats we’ve been waiting for. Here are some of my favorites:

• Watermelon—sweet and juicy
• Corn on the cob—salted and dripping with butter
• Homemade potato salad—a labor of love
• Strawberries—on shortcake with whipped cream
• Ice cream—cold and refreshing in our favorite flavors (don’t mention the calories)
• Jersey tomatoes—in salads and on sandwiches
• Barbecued meats—hamburgers, chicken, and ribs, dripping on the grill and down our chins
• Hot dogs—we may shun them every other season but now we load them with relish or kraut, pretending they’re healthier that way
• Salads of all sorts—fruit salad, green salad, macaroni, coleslaw, bean salad—too many varieties to name
• Pickles—yes, we eat them year round but somehow they’re now crisper, tastier, more tart
• Iced tea and lemonade—in pitchers with floating lemons and droplets of water running down the side
• Smores—though popular throughout the year, there’s nothing like ending a barbecue around a fire, toasting marshmallows

Do you have a favorite?