Growing up, the people you're first introduced to are your family. Your family are the ones that have been there since day one. They know what you looked like before puberty and they know your silly little secrets from when you were little. Like that time I brought blood to one of my cousins ears, they never let you forget. They're here for the long run and it's sad that family doesn't mean the same thing it used to. Family means always having someone to visit for Sunday supper or always having someone at your birthday parties when you are little. The sad thing about family is that because you love them so much and have known them your whole life, they're hard to lose.

The importance of family needs to be re-instituted to people and people need to learn what it's like to be a family again. Just because you and your cousin Joe don't get along doesn't mean you don't love him. Just because this aunt does have better potato salad than the other one, doesn't mean you should always pick sides. Family is supposed to make you feel safe and secure. Family are the ones who surround you when you are to be awarded something. They're on your sidelines, always cheering you on. So, using this article I want to spread the word of the importance of family and teach this generation what it's supposed to be like again.

Your siblings and cousins are your best friends growing up. You always have a friend when they're around, right? Well, when the family is always fighting and bickering, how are you supposed to make sure your kids are getting to know their family. People need to take responsibility for their actions and be an example to others on how you should treat your family. The importance of family has been lost and it's about time we regain it before it's too late.

There's nothing like losing a family member that brings this importance closer to your attention. So, in the loss of my dear Uncle Richard, in his memory, I hope to bring this to as many people's attention as possible. Start loving your family and loving an supporting them like you're supposed to.

Richard A. Honeycutt

Forever in our hearts.