Family Ties

A few days ago my dear friend, Monica, stopped by to help me start my family tree. She completed hers recently and successfully traced her lineage back to the early 1800s. To give me some perspective, she shared a sample family tree which read at the bottom, “Like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions yet, our roots remain as one.” With Thanksgiving upon us, it is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of family and gratitude.  On Thanksgiving we typically surround ourselves with family and remember the importance of enjoying the simple things in life while we stuff ourselves with turkey and all the other delightful fixings of the day.

While family and gratitude are not blatantly obvious in this episode, if you watch closely it is the recurring theme. During this episode, you see Apollo and I defending each other. I point this out because in any healthy relationship it is essential to know each other’s heart; and by doing so, you are able to speak on behalf of one another whenever misunderstandings arise. In any relationship, especially marriage, misunderstandings are inevitable. Marriage is not only the union of two people, but of two families; which often can be just as rewarding as it is challenging. I am very proud of my husband and grateful for our family. Additionally, during the episode you see Mama Joyce being protective of Kandi about her male suitors, as a mother should be. As a new mother, I now understand how bonded a mother is with her child. Much like Mama Joyce, I only want the best for my son. Kandi and I both have very strong relationships with our mothers, and no matter what we say or do, we are fully aware of the wisdom and seasoned perspectives our mothers have, which gives credence to the saying, “Mama knows best.”

The focal point of this episode is Kim’s baby shower. During the shower, Kim and her daughters’ gratitude is obvious as Brielle poetically speaks of Kroy’s fatherly love. Sheree builds on her family by beginning construction on a new family home. NeNe continues to contemplate maintaining her marriage for the sake of her son. Lastly, Leon comes to Peter’s aid by advising him how important Cynthia’s family is to her and to their marriage. The families represented on our show are not all reminiscent of storybook tale, and some might be deemed dysfunctional; however, no matter how unorthodox a family might appear to be, it is still the oil that keeps the engine of our hearts running. We don’t choose our families, but we do choose how we relate to and participate in them. Please remember, no matter where your experiences take you, you are rooted to and best nourished by your family, so during this holiday season I encourage you to reconnect with what is most important: family! May you have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!