On this Family Day, may we consider collectively a wider definition for the term we hold dear: “family”. While many loving families are gathered today, cradling infants, playing cars on the floor, skiing, skating, or kicking a ball around on a field, cuddled up with a movie, or sharing a meal, this isn’t the reality for all.
Just this last week, a 12-year-old child was found in California, naked and eating out of trash cans. Her mother apparently kept her naked so she wouldn’t run away; I’m not sure why she kept her hungry as well.
This child is spending this family day in protective services.
As are the approximately 67,000 children in Canadian protective care services*.
Family Day is an important day. A day that celebrates the importance of family. A day that carves out the time and space to appreciate and enjoy one another. A day to talk, to play, to laugh, to cuddle. An important day to consider how concerned, watchful and protective we are of our family members. Let no one harm them, hurt them; let no injury come to them. An important day perhaps to wonder where “family” was for that little girl in California. Or, for the 67,000 children living in care here in Canada.
But in addition and more importantly, an important day to remember that the family we are each responsible to is broader than our immediate DNA class, and extends to the class of all our fellow humans. To remember that the family we are each responsible to goes beyond those humans living under the one same roof, to those living under the one same sky. On this family day, remember the family we are all members of, the family of each other, and remember we all have a responsibility. To be a watchful eye. To care. For that 12 year old living in protective services in California today. For the 67,000 children living in Canadian protective services today. For each other.
* 2007 figure via The Canadian Child Welfare Portal: http://www.cecw-cepb.ca/faqs
