Family is a word that evokes a multitude of concepts, thoughts and feelings including joy, sorrow, caring, hope and love. The Websters dictionary lists numerous descriptions of family-a group consisting of parents and children; people closely related by blood; a group consisting of individuals descended from a common ancestry-to mention but a few.

The rhetorical descriptor states "a harmonious group bound together by a common interest" It is this rhetorical description that I believe we all strive to attain within our own immediate family, as well as our work family. Although we may not always see eye to eye, it has been my experience that when situations become difficult we put aside our differences and work together to achieve a common goal.

I joined the Misericordia family in 1987. The years following were filled with constant change in healthcare. With the advent of Caritas in 1992, the work family increased and, somehow, it felt as if our individual identity was lost for a time. It was difficult to see co-workers moving on as programs and people shifted and changed. Similar feelings surfaced as my children matured and moved out of the family home to find their niche in the world. Three of our children married during this time. Getting to know the extended Caritas family was much like getting to know these newly added family members. We have learned to appreciate the strengths these new branches bring to our family.

Families-a past, present and future. My immediate family, now including three beautiful grandchildren, brings such joy and love into my life. These little people speak so joyously of the future. Personal friends who truly care about my husband and me, and my work family with whom I share a special bond of coming together for a common purpose, are the present We are given this time to spend wisely and, well, to have fun along the way. The past are those who have gone before us, imparting their values, work ethic and the vision they had for the future.

When the day is done, I am thankful for my family who truly care about, and for, each other. I am so blessed to have two wonderful co¬workers, Brenda Shim, Manager and Betty-Lynn Zukewich, our Assistant, who make every workday great Being part of Caritas has added another dimension and something priceless to my life-friends who are like family.