Tanna Ray Jones (bayridgefarm@hotmail.com) from 208.47.6.44 at 10/26/01 10:35AM
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    The faster pace of the 20th and 21st centuries has greatly affected the family. The number of men and women that move to other states to pursue careers has grown increasingly in the past few years. This trend has made close-knit families a product of the past. Gone in today's culture are the Sunday dinners at Grandma's house. Gone are the weekends spent with aunts and uncles, it is hard to spend the weekend if you have to fly to see them. The sad reality is that people today seem to have lost the desire to spend time with their relatives. Thanksgiving and Christmas are not the only days that can be spent with family. If there is no one who cares enough to learn, the rich history of our families will die. My family is extremely vital to me. In recent years my mother has become my best friend. Perhaps friendship isn't what you need then there is a mountain of knowledge and a heap of support in families. Most families will be there for you no matter the situation. They will celebrate with you and console you through all the trials that life throws your way. The importance of family seems to have diminished so much in our society that it is amazing to me that we continue to function as a country. I feel that the crime and many other problems facing young people today can be traced back to the lack of support and shown love from their families. I have always heard that behind every great man is a great woman. Although this is often true, I argue that behind every great person is an extraordinary family.