The True Meaning of Family

As children many of us grew up watching classic Disney movies.  One of my favorites then (and to this day) is "The Jungle Book".  We look at this as a silly story of talking panthers, dancing bears and one stubborn little man cub.  But I think there is more to this story than what meets the eye.

Mowgli begins his life as a lost infant of the dangerous rainforest.  He has been left with no way to survive.  No one to feed him, change him, clothe him or nurture him.  He is completely and utterly helpless.  But then, just as it seems all hope is lost, an unlikely hero steps in, Bageera the Panther.

Naturally, Mowgli would be a special snack for the panter, but something inside the panther causes him to look differently at this man cub.  Something starts to pull at his heart strings and he begins to feel a feeling of compassion for what would eventually become an enemy of the forest. 

Knowing that a panther couldn't raise the infant and provide the best care, he does what he thinks is right and finds a loving, caring home that can provide this baby with everything he needs.  The man cub grows up and becomes a very vivatious and agile jungle creature.  Mowgli was not apart of the jungle naturally, but he adapted and eventually did become apart.  It was his home.  He had a family not only of parents and siblings but of friends who loved and cared for him and was even willing to DIE for him. 

This is the ultimate story of family.  Mowgli had nothing physically in common with his pack of wolves or with monkeys or panthers or bears.  But what he did have was a common bond of true love and loyalty.  Family is not necessarily the people who share your DNA.  Family is a close bond you have with a group of people.  Your family are the people you share memories with.  Who laugh when you laugh and cry when you cry.  Who pray when you're down and praise when you're up.  They are the ones who will not sugar coat things when you're making tough decisions.  Your family will show tough love when it's needed for your benefit.  They do it because they care about you. 

No matter what you do or how you decide to chose to live your life your family will always be your family.  And there isn't a single thing you can do that will ever change that. 

So while you only have a short time on this earth I suggest you hold tight to those who are closest, make more memories of the ones that you cherish and forgive those who have done you wrong because in the end of it all when you're old and gray it will be your family you will want to surround you when you're ready to pass away.