Family is always the one constant we have in life

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Tara Gesner

EMC Editorial - When I first moved from my hometown, St. Catharines, to Carleton Place in 1996, I remember wondering what it would be like to write for the Carleton Place Canadian.

Now, 16 years later, here I am authoring my inaugural commentary. Of course, the newspaper is now named the Canadian Gazette, owned by Metroland Media Group, and it's the local section of the Almonte/Carleton Place EMC, but you get the picture, right?

So with that introduction, I'll invite you to come along for the ride (if you're up for it) by reading my column ('Tara Firma').

Family Day is Monday, Feb. 20 - a public holiday in Ontario.

Families are very important and most definitely have an impact on the way we grow up and who we become as adults. For me personally, my family is very important to me.

I love having Sunday dinner with my in-laws, sitting around the table and talking about the latest news.

I love playing Smurfs with my three-year-old nephew, Gage. As expected, I am Gargamel, the sworn enemy of the Smurfs. He plays the role of Brainy Smurf.

Gargamel never wins!

I love that my 90-year-old grandfather calls me weekly to see how I am doing, reminding me to store up the newspapers for when I come home to visit. He reads everything I write.

I love hearing my mother say 'I love you' each time we end our phone conversation.

I love that my sister and brother-in-law, who are expecting their first child in April, have asked me to be in the delivery room.

I love visiting with aunts, uncles and cousins, getting a sense of security and a strong familial foundation.

I love that my husband gets me - my shortcomings and my pet peeves. He has a generous heart, and he's loyal to family (his and mine). What's more, there's a never-ending source of encouragement.

I love that those cherished family members who are no longer with me continue to provide guidance and strength.

I love that in my family love is shown and hurt is shared.

The love of a family is life's greatest blessing. Friends will come and go, but family is the one constant we have.

Unlike other holidays, Family Day is not about gifts or flashy decorations.

It was designed to give families the opportunity to spend more time together.

This Family Day, make your extra time all about you and your loved ones!

Next year, Family Day takes place on Feb. 18, and in 2014 it's on Feb. 17.

If you have any comments or questions for Tara Gesner, she can be reached by email at: tgesner@perfprint.ca.