Family matters. It gives us nourishment, a sounding board, guidance and support. The list goes on.

But it also gives us tzouris (Yiddish for troubles), anger and grief. Complicated.

The above title refers to genetic connection, but today’s world paints a broader picture. For this I am thankful. Although I’m blessed to have almost daily connection with my brothers, sisters, nieces, mother, children and more, I do not consider them all of my family.

My family is cultural, political, philosophical and spiritual. That basically crosses almost all of humankind. Perhaps that sentiment is a byproduct of our ever-widening connections into the world. I prefer to think about the possibilities for peaceful conflict resolution if I can always see my family as simply, the human race.

Being in animal-loving Austin now for so long, even my dogs are part of my family. My friends have dogs or cats that are family members. They are sentient beings, so why not? They provide love, comfort, solace and support to many people who do not have traditional family connections.

When I crossed into England, The Nederlands, France and Spain, I found my family there too. My family are people who seek out adventure, travel, love, trust and passionate about what they are do with their lives. My family are musicians, my family are those who carry compassion, and love humor. In my family there are no colors, but rainbow, no ages, but youthful spirits, no politics, but that of working cooperatively.