Over the past year I have heard from many couples about how they have a richer, deeper appreciation for their families. Perhaps this is in part due to the difficult times we’ve gone through recently. Whatever the reason or reasons, the result has been a request for ways to acknowledge and express this newly re-discovered appreciation of family in their personalized wedding ceremonies.

As a result, I have created a Dedication to Family moment for couples I work with. The opening lines are often either focused on the family in general, or with specific names- like the parents or some special family members who are significant to the Bride and or the Groom or their children or their adult children. Sometimes this is where special recognition is given to an individual or individuals who could not be in attendance. (As contrasted with a Moment of Remembrance for those who have passed.) What follows the opening sentences is a reading that is simply titled What is Family? Its origin is unclear, and it is likely a compilation of a number of quotes or personal reflections on the meaning of family.

What Is Family?

Family is more than a ‘theme”. It is not even a way of life. It is life itself! It makes up the daily fabric of life.

What is family? It is the journey of generations through time living and loving and learning. It is expressed in such statements as “being there for each other”, “we’re in this together” and in the word solidarity. And patience with one another, as well as forgiveness, always forgiveness. Always working together toward a future and a hope. What is family? It is and experience of faith and trust in each other, that gives us freedom to give to each other fully, without holding back, leaving nothing in reserve.

Family is knowing they’ll be watching out for you. Nothing else will give you that. Not fame, nor money, nor work. Family are those people who claim you as their own, and surround you in good times and in bad, in part or in whole. These are the ones who show up, no matter what, without a plan b, standing in the breech with you.

Family is not a thing, it’s a place. It’s a place in the heart. It’s the place where all the memories are kept. And where new memories are grown. This is family!