Erin McKee (eriamcke@mars.utm.edu) from 10.100.8.24 at 10/24/01 10:59PM
comment
    Yesterday as I was sitting in the round table discussion, Mrs. Wright noted that one observation of a Southern family is a close-knit extended family. In my family, we are very close knit but people who I would consider "extended" family aren't aunts, uncles, second cousins, etc. Most of my extended family consists of step-brothers, sisters-in-law, and especially people of no blood relationship who have always been involved with our family. My dad's best friend has no children and comes to share Christmas with us. He is an extended family member. My grandfather grew up with a man who had a daughter, Linda. Linda and my mom grew up together. Linda's son and I grew up together. These people are all my extended family. I feel that in the United States and especially in the South extended family doesn't just include blood, but those who have become special in their own way and hold a unique place in what we call family.