THE TIES THAT BIND US

I'm sure most of us have heard this expression before, The ties that bind us, what is it that binds us to our friends,co-workers, family etc.  I recently received word of the passing of a family memeber.  He was not a blood relative but he was family.  I started thinking about my extended family of friends.  Some I've knows for decades some in the past few years.  The word quickly spread of this dear friend and well respected Man's passing.  From reports I've received and snippits of his homegoing service I felt a sense of pride and sadness.  Sad that such a young man whom I liked and respected was gone to soon.  Sad that his family is now hurting over this loss and feeling a void in their lives. Proud however, that the extended family was out in numbers showing support.  The reason for this post is to remind us how important ties can be.  How crucial it is to have a great support system in your life.  Now a support system does not have to be limited to family, it could very well be friends, co-workers, teachers, church memebers etc. Oprah once shared how much a teacher touched her life and encouraged her.  She is convinced her support and encouragement played a huge role in shaping her into the woman she has become.  Reconnecting with my extended church family has been a blessing and a joy to me.  Thanks to FB we can reconnect from wherever we reside.  Who could not love the wonder and beauty of the internet?  The internet allows us to keep in contact with family near and far.  Those ties can be repaired, strenghten and reconnected.  When I was growing up in brooklyn, back in the day we still believed it took a village to raise a child, and a neighbor was definitely an extended family member.  If  Ms. Jackson told you to behave you dare not listen or the consequences would be equivalent to disrepsecting your very own parent.  How I long for those days.  In the meantime, I am blessed to have the ties that I have.  So during the course of the day, take a minute and think about the ties you have with your family and friends.    To all of my extended family new and old, I love you with all of my heart. I may not get the opportunity to tell you this in person or often please know that I truly do. 

Don't forget the ties that bind. 

Be Blessed, Diva Val