WELCOME January 11, 1999 Issue

To Our Readers

Russ Gerber

I read an account some time ago of a family that came together for a reunion. The get-together got off to a great start. Lots of hugs and handshakes and good conversation. At some point during the day, however, with most of them gathered in a circle still catching up on each other's lives, the subject of the conversation turned to that of being shown appreciation.

One family member mentioned, in a slightly frustrated tone, that his supervisor (who happened to be a relative) never had anything good to say about his work. Another family member chimed in with a similar comment. Then another. Before long, the conversation turned bitter. Everyone was complaining. Once or twice someone's complaint burst out like hot lava, releasing some deeply-held anger that apparently had been bubbling below the surface.

Fortunately, one of the guests at the reunion had the good sense to try to change the subject. He mentioned how valuable one of the family members was to him. That broke the cycle. Soon the conversations warmed up again. By the end of the day, there were not only many goodbye hugs (and lots of laughs) seen all through the family, but a few tears of joy as well. Love had triumphed over some pretty bitter feelings.

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