We are Family

Sisters of the former Adams Park Ward,

I have really missed all of you a lot.  It makes my day when I see one of you.  I have been sitting here watching my computer copy from one drive to another (pretty boring).  The deacon who stopped by our house left the RS newsletter from my ward.  So I thought I would read it.  I read the side that had all the information about lessons, birthdays, calendars, etc. and put it down.  I watched the computer copying for awhile again, and something made me pick that newsletter back up and turn it over.  It was the VT message for February -- so I read it.  It started off talking about the Proclamation to the Family -- I tend to tune out anything about the family because not every being married and having children doesn't pertain to me.  I am not bitter or depressed or angry, I simply tune it out.  Well I was ready to put down the newsletter and my eye caught Sister Thompson's name from the General Relief Society President.  She tells of when President Hinckley announced the Proclamation in the General Relief Society meeting in 1995 -- In fact I believe there were members of the Adams Park Ward including myself in attendance at the meeting.

Sister Thompson said the following:  "When President Hinckley first read the proclamation that was a great occasion.  I felt the signifcance of the message.  I also found myself thinking -- this is a great guide for parents.  It is also a big responsibility for parents.  I thought for a moment that it didn't really pertain too much to me since I wasn't married and didn't have any children (I probably thought the same thing).  But almost as quickly I thought, But it does pertain to me.  I am a member of a family.  I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a niece, and a granddaughter.  I do have responsibilities -- and blessings -- because I am a member of a family.  Even if I were the only living member of my family, I am still a member of God's family, and I have a responsibility to help strengthen other families."

This statement hit me so hard that I wanted to share it with my family -- all of you.  Thanks for your example and for being part of your family while in the Ward.  I ask for a blessing on those who have need and wanted to let you know how much I love all of you.

Teresa Bodrero

(originally written February 4, 2012)