"Ohana means family"

This week my family traveled across the country for my cousin's wedding. Naturally, most of our extended family was there which is ALWAYS a good time. Late night conversations, laughing at Saturday Night Live and embarassing dance moves. Classic. Then we were able to see another side of the family that we rarely get to spend time with! When we first met him, my shy 4 year old cousin asked me "Why are you here?" "Because you're my family!" He ran up and gave me a big hug, all shyness having vanished.

(the good old days)

It was funny when we were there looking at the people around me, seeing how much things had changed since when we were kids. Cousins who had been awkward-looking teenagers were now married, some with babies on the way. Others who played  dress up and house were now at college, enjoying their new life. Even the little ones had grown up so much. Time goes on and life changes. But family remains. The bond that holds us together is stronger than distance or age difference or circumstance. Certain things in life will change but like Lilo & Stitch said "... family means no one gets left behind".

                                         

Proverbs 18:24-Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.