Embracing American Kin
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It’s family reunion time! We’re having a party! Fire up the grill, and let’s get to eating! Everyone come over to see the new baby! Welcome to the family, the wedding was beautiful! Grandma is turning 85, everyone we are celebrating on Sunday at 1pm! Take a moment to remember the greatness of your family! Picture everyone—where are you all, what is the occasion, who’s cooking? Do you hear the laughter, see the smiles, and remember all the details? Yes, remember! The joy of celebrating family and friends in one which brings great joy to one’s being. Moments with family and friends, add timeless jewels to our treasure box of immeasurably valued memories forever. During these moments we forget about the deadlines that must be meant, the alarm clocking that will sound as a reminder to start the week, the exam or presentation that did not go well, or the chores that need to be completed while running errands all over town. We simply live! Live in the familial timefreeze sharing in an atmosphere of love, fun, and excitement. So much so, that even that one uncle who is always into something is suddenly tolerable and needless to say a pleasure for that pause in time.
Acquilla Semevou McCoy
As Americans we often find ourselves in the hustle and bustle of life. We attempt to work, to relax with family and friends, and gain some personal time while balancing multiple responsibilities. Our lives sometimes become so full of tasks and people that we forget about the simple things that which would improve our lives a hundred-fold. Spending time with family and friends to remind ourselves how much we love, value, and cherish one another. We forget that at any moment we may never see someone after our last conversation, thus making it even more important that an embrace is given, sincere kindness shared, and appreciation shown. We have to simply love each other whenever the moment arises. Every time we wake, the phone rings, texts are exchanged, emails sent, or during a face-to-face encounter. Now this sounds simple…and it really is that easy! We should always be able to express a kind word to those we meet regardless of what the person may have done. We all have areas that could use improvement; through love and acceptance we can embrace our challenges and help each other to get through them. As Americans, we have a pattern of waiting until tragedy hits to recognize that WE ALL ARE FAMILY BECAUSE WE ARE ALL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Our families are formed of people who share customs, stories, tragedies, victories, and most
times knows our character…while giving a streamline of unconditional love. We see our family as having shared last names, shared people of relation, shared memories, and shared values and experiences which reflect the traditions and customs of generational teachings. The views of confidence that we able to conquer any challenge because we have done it before—you know that you remember a story about how Aunt Marie was able to make it in the winter with no shoes, no job, and three kids after the death of her husband because the family came together. Or when Stevie went off to war because he wanted to be like Dad—a man of integrity, respect, and honor who RISKED HIS LIFE FOR ALL AMERICANS. We risk our lives for family! Every day, we go about our tasks with the idea of improving or saving the lives of other people. These people are our family and we make sure that our performance, actions, and gestures are all reflective of sincere care towards each other.
America! America! Let us never forget Our histories shared through this land How many fell and others provided helping hands When families lost love ones for unjust reasons Where systems formed to make us torn We worked together to restore our homes We toil by day and some by night Playing our roles for America’s heart Beating through the tragedies we suddenly face Embracing each other regardless of race To show that Americans are deeper than hues We are a family Represented by the red, white, and blue
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