It is the Stick Together Family that Wins the Joys of the Earth

Aging and family support.

One major factor helping me cope with my aging and loss of independence is my family.

The Stick-Together Families
by Edgar A. Guest

The stick-together families are happier by far
Than the brothers and the sisters who take separate highways are.
The gladdest people living are the wholesome folks who make
A circle at the fireside that no power but death can break.
And the finest of conventions ever held beneath the sun
Are the little family gatherings when the busy day is done.

There are rich folk, there are poor folk, who imagine they are wise,
And they're very quick to shatter all the little family ties.
Each goes searching after pleasure in his own selected way,
Each with strangers likes to wander, and with strangers likes to play.
But it's bitterness they harvest, and it's empty joy they find,
For the children that are wisest are the stick-together kind.

There are some who seem to fancy that for gladness they must roam,
That for smiles that are the brightest they must wander far from home.
That the strange friend is the true friend, and they travel far astray
they waste their lives in striving for a joy that's far away,
But the gladdest sort of people, when the busy day is done,
Are the brothers and the sisters who together share their fun.

It's the stick-together family that wins the joys of earth,
That hears the sweetest music and that finds the finest mirth;
It's the old home roof that shelters all the charm that life can give;
There you find the gladdest play-ground, there the happiest spot to live.
And, O weary, wandering brother, if contentment you would win,
Come you back unto the fireside and be comrade with your kin.

One major factor helping me cope with my aging and loss of independence is my family. We are a tightly knit group of caring and loving people. My daughters and their wonderful husbands have done everything they can for me and are very supportive. They provide a lot of emotional support along with practical necessities.

In addition to family, many friends are generous with their time and open to chatting with me about my moans and groans. I also find very encouraging the many readers and followers of my articles who are quick to respond and exchange conversations via Substack, email, and text. These people may not fit the dictionary definition of family, but they and other friends are my family members.

It is the extended family group that provides emotional security. Knowing that there are people who care deeply about you and stand by you during difficult times brings comfort and confidence. In a supportive family, individuals feel valued and understood. They can share their joys and struggles without fear of judgment. This sense of security helps people develop self-esteem and a positive outlook on life.

Resilience is a gift that family and friends offer. Life is full of challenges, but having a family and other supporters provides encouragement and guidance, making it easier to endure hardships. When people experience setbacks, such as losing a job, struggling with illness, or dealing with personal disappointments, a caring family can offer the strength and reassurance needed to keep going. Knowing someone is there to help and support them can make a difficult situation less overwhelming.

Family life provides practical help in addition to emotional support. Parents guide their children in education and career choices. Siblings offer friendship and companionship. Grandparents share wisdom and life experiences. Adult children often care for their aging parents in later years, continuing the cycle of love and support across generations.

A close-knit family does not mean that relationships are always perfect. Disagreements and misunderstandings happen in every family. However, learning to resolve conflicts, listen to each other, and find common ground strengthens these relationships. Working through differences teaches patience, compromise, and the value of forgiveness.

Family life is not limited to blood relations. People can find family in close friends, mentors, or others who offer love and support. What matters most is caring and dependable relationships that provide stability and encouragement.

Family offers a safe and steady presence in a world that sometimes feels uncertain and isolating. Whether through shared meals, conversations, or simply knowing that someone is there for you, family gives life meaning and warmth. It is the foundation on which people build their confidence, values, and resilience, helping them navigate life's difficulties with strength and hope.