Where Do Your Loyatlies Lie?

After reading this article about a California woman who killed her sister-in-law, I began to think a lot about family ties and what being a family truly means. The article reminded me of a book I recently read, True Colors, about a family that becomes pitted against each other in the face of trial.

In this novel, the Grey sisters are a tightly bound unit that has always stood opposite of one person: their distant and hard-hearted father. They always loved each other more than they could express, took care of each other, and let nothing come in the way of their friendship. Then a stranger comes to town and threatens to ruin everything that the Grey sisters have with one another. When feelings are kept secret, secrets are revealed, and revelations of terrible consequence are unveiled, the three become hostile, and it seems possible that they may never be a united force again.

These two texts made me think about my family, and I began to ask myself many questions: what could lead me to separate from my family? What would they have to do for me to turn my back on them? Would I stand beside them, whatever the circumstance? Would they ever abandon me? Would we ever let any person get in the way of our relationships? And if we did become enemies, would we ever be able to forget and be a family again?

I am very glad that I came across these writings, because they got me to think about my loyalty to those I love and how far I would go to protect them. I am very grateful for my family and friends, and know that I would do almost anything in my power to keep them from danger or to help them, but at the same time I know that there are certain things that I would not be able to overlook. But until I have to face one of these events, I will just enjoy my relationships with those around me and stay fiercely loyal to them, and hope that they do the same for me.