The definition of the word essence is:

“The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character.”

When I think of the essence of family, my thoughts become focused on the inextricable relationship between commitment and loyalty among family members. The essence of my feelings toward all of you can be enumerated by:

1.     The identity of unification between family members and knowing that you belong and are safe in all matters regarding our thoughts, actions, deeds, and words of all family members.

2.     The comfort that these feelings are consistent both when we are in each other’s presence or separated.

3.     The belief that your family will be infinite, enduring, ubiquitous and always available to you.

4.     The acknowledgement that we don’t always understand and have knowledge of the needs of each other, but we will forever have the intense desire and be willing to hear each other with listening ears, measured emotions, and intellect while we put forth the efforts to strive and arrive at a state of empathy, support, and actionable understanding.

5.     The conviction that we will never be devoid of love for each other. The word love is one of the more abstract words in our vocabulary. The ability to share our lives with family and most important, to forgive each other for our missteps, is the most tangible evidence of our love.

6.     The ability to unconditionally accept each other and refrain from ever passing judgement or attempting to adjudicate the intentions of another family member.

7.     Finally, never feel any sense of abandonment from your family, your Savior and Heavenly Father! We are never alone!