All of us need ... a family

No matter who we are or where we may come from, we all have one thing in common and that is our roots in a family, whether this is one that lives together or disconnected for one reason or another.

We receive the spirit of resilience from family, not only to remain integrated and keep facing daily challenges, but also to keep moving ahead in life

The word family carries with it a lot of weight and meaning, and comes with different implications. We cannot take it for granted that every individual belongs to a clear-cut family structure, nor can we assume that a family is connected by relationships, whether these are positive or negative. Those who are brought up in institutions, those who never know who their family is, and those who for some reason have become isolated, would tell of a very different experience to others who have grown along with their own family of origin. That is not to say that some pick the family they want for themselves. In whichever way and form we come, and are, and choose to be, somewhere along the line there still remains some connection to family.

Family, or what we choose as a representation of this for us, is what inevitably gives us our identity. It is these roots that keep us loyal and connected, despite distances, time and space. The majority of those who are blessed with growing up in a family experience a prolonged support and nourishment that helps them to continue to develop as individuals throughout their life, from one generation to the next. In fact, family ties or connections extend across generations and remain influential in the present through loyalties, beliefs, attitudes and expectations, some of which may be obvious and some invisible or implied.

Hence, it is difficult to think of an individual existing in total isolation from some connection to some form of family.

The latter continues to represent the basis of that person’s journey and existence and is something that is certainly not easily severed.

This year’s United Nations theme on the International Day of the Family, which falls today, is titled Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity. The nature of this theme clearly depicts the concept of the fundamental and basic need that every individual has of a family.

Family is the springboard for the individual into the larger society, which is represented through the neighbourhood, the school, the Church, the place of work, NGOs, etc. The journey for each individual is supported and made easier when it is accompanied by the presence of family support. It is the family that gives us the basic self-esteem and self-respect that we all need in order to be the person we really are in our life and in society. We receive the spirit of resilience from family, not only to remain integrated and keep facing daily challenges, but also to keep moving ahead in life to reach our aspirations.

People who may not have clear-cut family connections, although possibly more difficult for them to move ahead with their aspirations in life, can still attain their objectives through their choice of what represents family for them. This is because “no man is an island” and hence we all need launching pads to move ahead in life and broaden our possibilities.

When reflecting on the above, it is easier to understand the importance of promoting and supporting any effort or service that protects and sustains family in our society today. One reason for this is the inevitability of the future outcome of our society and future generations.

This year’s United Nations theme for the International Day of the Family also highlights the importance of “intergenerational solidarity”. In other words, we are being advised to remain connected.

Not only are we nowadays virtually connected through the various means of modern technology but connections remain important, especially on a person-to-person level. One way of reinforcing this could be through family celebrations: birthdays, anniversaries and meals that are organised especially in our culture, through the extended family.

The richness and patrimony that is passed from one generation to another, for instance through informal education, remains a most beneficial aspect to the individual. Nourishing and strengthening relationships in order to maintain connections amongst people in society and across the different generations is vital for every individual. By remaining connected, various changes occurring along generations can be observed and appreciated. There is both continuity and inevitable change. Notwithstanding continuity and change, family remains forever imperative.

Joseph Mizzi is director, Cana Movement.