This is such an excellent post. I think family is one of the most important experiences available for creating strong bonds among its members. Back in the "old" days of my grandparents the family was created for survival purposes. Our culture seemed to run into problems beginning with the Dr. Spock era and spiraling down to the point of overworked parents with little time or energy left for the family. The regular routine of the average household seemed to be rush, rush, grab, grab. Eating on the run to get to this event or meeting seemed to abolish dinner or "supper" around the family dinner table which began with saying the "blessing" of gratitude. So sad to realize that we have become too busy for things such as God and family.