Finding Family Alive, Well : These days, the venerable institution doesn’t fit one idealized form. But it is working.

Contrary to popular belief, I believe the family is alive and strong.

Why must we always focus on what’s wrong with our society? All this talk about fatherless families, social disintegration and declining values. Sure, we’ve got problems out there. But why not pay a little attention to what’s right?

I am reminded of a single mother I met after the ’92 riots from South Central L.A. who holds down two jobs so she can send her children to private schools. She told me she wouldn’t even think of moving to a safer neighborhood because the people on her street are like family.

I personally know dozens of single parents--mostly moms, but some dads too--who struggle financially, rush home from work to pick their children up at school, fix dinner, help them with their homework, see that they get their baths and stories read aloud, and are tucked lovingly into bed each night.

And the non-custodial parents who continue sharing the responsibility for their children’s care.

These parents don’t run out when the going gets tough, or when they are tired, or restless or lonely.

The extended family survives too, though we have been led to believe it hasn’t.

The 76-year-old grandfather who baby-sits his grandchildren every day while his daughter and son-in-law work. And the grandmother who must work, herself, at age 70, yet manages to find time to help her grandson stay in high school.

Strong families? You bet.

I can’t forget the friends who have helped me and my two boys over the years, either. They are part of our family too. The single dad who coached Tony’s basketball team. The couple who shared their home with him so he could attend football camp in Colorado. And Ben, a friend from work who simply took the time one evening to play guitars with Michael.

Yes. These are our families of today. Not necessarily living together under one roof, nor related by marriage or blood. But people working together, being there for each other, providing emotional support, love, and yes, money. Isn’t that what family is all about?