I often wonder why members of our family group act like strangers and the groups that I am in with strangers act more like family. Why is that? Is there family history or dynamics that I am oblivious to?

Even if that were the case, every morning brings a new day. Yesterday is no longer. We start each day with fresh breath and new opportunities. For us as a family, that means each day presents an opportunity to start anew and work on deepening our bond and ties with one another.

On that note, my wife’s family group is called Fambily Ties. No that was not a misspelling, they spelt it like how some Jamaican pronounce it. It was created about 7 years ago and they chat and converse with each other every single day posting real time updates of what is happening in each family around the world. They discuss current affairs including “COVID and Vaccines” from opposing perspectives and their chats are mostly filled with joy and laughter. This is how family should be, sharing the good, the bad and the ugly, with positive criticism, love and support for each other.

Another friend’s husband family of around 30 persons started a zoom group meeting since the start of the pandemic and they have not missed a single meeting at 7pm every Saturday. A lot of the times midnight would catch them still talking and laughing.

I sometimes wonder, what is it with my family? Are dynamics at play here that prevents them from acting like they share the same blood?

I also remember how I went to our family reunion at the all inclusive Grand Palladium Hotel in Hanover and left knowing the same relatives I knew from before, I attended. I didn’t get an opportunity to bond with anyone new. Family that already knew each other interacted within their preexisting groups.

The cookout at Julian’s house allowed us to get introduced and interact with family members we didn’t know as well as experience the authentic environs and existence of our ancestors. It was a nostalgic outdoor experience that was a breath of fresh air. No pun intended.

Whatever it is that is causing us in this group to be lukewarm with each other let’s throw that water out the window and pour fresh water into our hearts, so that we can feel the blood connection . The members of this group are the descendants of just two brothers, Alfred and Benjamin Murray, let us preserve the bloodline and legacy with our positive thoughts, words and deeds. Let us with sincerity welcome each other, educate, support and nourish each other.

After all.... We are "One Blood!"

Love and Light Always,

SOM