FAMILY AND FRIENDS: A FULL HOUSE

 I know nothing about poker. Literally, nothing. Growing up, cards of any kind were forbidden in our home. We couldn’t even play Old Maid! Seriously. And we weren’t even an overly religious family. Sure, we went to church on Sunday and said our simple prayers at night, but that was about it. Somehow, my parents equated playing cards with being of poor character, so cards were off-limits. As I got older, I never developed an interest in them. I didn’t frown upon those who played; I just never learned. But as I reflected on the importance of family and friends, the phrase "Full House" came to mind. When I realized it was a poker term, I looked it up. Lo and behold, it made sense in the context of what I was thinking. When you have family and friends, you have a Full House. You have combinations of groupings—some in pairs, some in threes. Regardless of how they’re arranged, having a Full House is a wonderful thing. So, here’s my take on why family and friends are life’s most valuable hand.

Family: Picked for You or Picked by You

 In today’s global society, the idea of family has taken on new dimensions. When I was growing up, family meant the people you were connected to by blood. Whether good, bad, or indifferent, these were the people tied to you through your genetic makeup. You had no say in the matter. For the most part, my family lived close by. My mother’s side all resided in the same city, often just a block or two apart. Sundays meant visiting one house after another, playing with cousins, and sharing meals. On the other hand, my father’s family was down south. Each summer, we’d take a long car ride to visit them and soak in their southern hospitality. Whether nearby or miles away, family was a cherished connection. Nowadays, the concept of family has broadened. Often, our friends become the family we choose. They’re the people who show up for us in tough times and celebrate with us during good times. Whether they share your bloodline or not, these are the people you trust to journey through life with. Family is a gift, whether you were born into it or built it yourself. And it’s a gift worth cherishing.

Friends: Silver and Gold

 “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other gold.” Remember that song? Its wisdom still holds true. Friendships are treasures—some enduring like gold, others fresh and shimmering like silver. Old friends are rare gems. They’ve seen you through life’s ups and downs and share memories that no one else can replicate. These are the friends you can sit with for hours, reminiscing about shared experiences, reliving old adventures, and laughing until your sides hurt. On the other hand, new friends bring a refreshing energy. They introduce you to new perspectives, hobbies, and connections. Sometimes, their circle of friends becomes part of your own. They help you grow and remind you that life is constantly evolving. Friendships, whether old or new, are invaluable. Like silver and gold, they enrich your life in different but equally meaningful ways.

 Full House, Full of Fun

 Last week, I took a train ride to visit my sons and their families. The journey was long, but the peace of the ride and the changing landscapes outside my window gave me time to reflect. I thought about my grandchildren—how much they might have grown since I last saw them. When I arrived, I was greeted with joyful chaos. Soccer games, school projects, oyster roasts, and birthday celebrations filled the schedule. My sons and their families share a lively group of friends, so each visit feels like a gathering of the whole community. The house was bustling with activity: some people watching football in the living room, others chatting around the fire pit, while kids dashed in and out, following their own wild adventures. The kitchen was the heart of it all, with laughter and delicious food shared around the island. It was a stark contrast to my quiet home miles away, where visitors are few, and the days are calm. But during this visit, my heart overflowed. I soaked in every moment of this full house full of fun.”

 In poker, having a Full House is a strong hand. In life, it’s even better. Whether your “house” is made up of family, friends, or a mix of both, having those connections is what makes life rich and rewarding. So, here’s to your Full House—may it always be full of love, laughter, and the joy of being surrounded by the people who matter most.