Family is Everything: Are We Prioritizing Them Enough?
Photo credit: Shot by Antonio Stephens with a Canon EOS M50 Mark II. Featured: My grand-aunt.
By: Antonio Stephens, Wellness Advocate
As I returned home to New Paltz, NY, for my grandfather's funeral, I was enveloped by a sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces. It was a bittersweet reunion, marked by both grief and unexpected reconnections with family members I hadn't seen in years.
During the somber gathering, a cousin's words struck a chord within me. He confessed to feeling a deep sense of anger as he watched relatives gather in mourning, realizing that it took a loss to bring so many of us together. His sentiment echoed a universal truth: family is often neglected among the chaos of daily life.
In the hustle and bustle of our modern existence, it's easy to prioritize work, social obligations and personal pursuits over family. Yet, as my cousin's revelation underscored, these relationships are the foundation of our lives — the bedrock upon which we build our identities and find solace in times of need.
But are we truly making enough time for our families? It's a question that warrants reflection. Beyond our immediate circles, there are extended family members, distant relatives and cherished family friends who enrich our lives in profound and meaningful ways. Neglecting these connections leaves us spiritually and emotionally impoverished, disconnected from our roots and the stories that define us.
As the adage goes, "You can always tell where you are spiritually by your experiences when you're with your family." Our interactions with loved ones serve as a mirror, reflecting our capacity for love, empathy and forgiveness. By investing in these relationships, we not only strengthen familial bonds but also nurture our own well-being.
Featured: my brothers, my mom and I
Finding the delicate balance between work, social obligations, and family can be challenging, but it's essential for our overall happiness and fulfillment. It requires making intentional choices to prioritize moments of togetherness — whether it's sharing a meal, embarking on a weekend getaway or simply picking up the phone to check-in.
In the end, family is everything — the cornerstone upon which we build our lives and the source of our deepest joys and sorrows. Let us not wait for moments of loss or crisis to remind us of their importance. Instead, let us commit to cherishing and cultivating these relationships each day, knowing that our investment in family will yield rich dividends of love, connection and belonging.
Featured: my two brothers and I several years ago with our grandfather.
This piece is dedicated to my beloved grandfather, Mr. Benjamin Bowen — a beacon of strength, wisdom and unconditional love.
Until next time ❤️,
Antonio
