“Familing”

Yes, my spell check is working. This is a made-up word, obviously based on the word “family.” The suffix -ing shows action, effort, intent, planning. “Familing” is keeping one’s parents and siblings and in-laws connected. Sometimes it means getting everyone in the same place. Or maybe it’s a text or phone call to individual members. Prayer is a greater connector, as we pray for the health and well-being of our loved ones. Our hearts and minds keep our loved ones emotionally close, and our unity in God keeps us spiritually close.

May is usually a month of many opportunities to bring family together with weddings, First Communions, reunions, graduations. Attend each with intent and effort; that is, plan to make conversation meaningful, be attentive to anyone on the periphery, and make “We’ll see you soon” a real promise.