F A M I L Y Poem by Jim Yerman

I remember a teacher in grade school saying, "Tonight for homework here's what I want you to do…draw a picture of your family and then tell me what family means to you.

Over the years (thankfully) I've lost the memory of the exact picture that I drew…but I do remember writing F A M I L Y- means Father And Mother I Love You.

You see, as a child back in grade school the world looked much simpler to me…I was sure a mom and dad and my brothers is what made a family.

For a while, growing up, that was my understanding…my position…until I realized that F A M I L Y has so many different definitions.

I've seen families with single parents…just a mom or just a dad…where everyone was happy with the one parent that they had.

I've seen families where the parents have died…or given up…said…I can't…where the children were being raised by their grandparents, uncles or aunts.

I've seen families with adopted children…with instant sisters and brothers…I've seen families with two dads and families with two mothers.

And in a world that is still filled with mysteries …. Still brimming with miracles and surprises I've seen families with parents of all different colors, shapes and sizes.

Why I've even had friends throughout the years…friends who have been so close to me that I see them as my brother or sister…I consider them family.

The older and wiser I become…I realize how better off this world would be…if every person thought of every other person…as part of their family.

Today if I was asked to draw a picture of my family…I'd draw the Earth from up above…and when asked what F A M I L Y means to me…I'd simply answer…LOVE.