Read It UP!

This is the almost magical tale of how many lives are woven together.  Lily has always been the responsible one in her dysfunctional family.    Her brother, Lonnie, has always been a screw up.  Since their father left them before Lily was born, Lonnie has been a little slower than the other kids.  He starts things then never finishes.  Lily’s mom is sad and disappointed in Lonnie.  Pop, Lily’s grandpa, threatens Lonnie when he turns 22 to get it together or don’t come back.  Lonnie moves out and enrolls in college.  He meets a nice young woman and finally finds what he is good at.  Lily’s mom works long hours as a doctor at an elder care facility.  She often brings home her day patients when they have no where to go.  Lily feels like a little old lady already.  She pays the bills, cooks the dinner, does the housework, and worries about the home.  One day she decides perhaps it is time to be a kid and what better way than to fall in love.  The guy she likes doesn’t know she exists.  So she thinks about him and dreams of him.  On their way to her grandfather’s eightieth birthday party, Lily runs into her crush and it turns out he has noticed her and he asks her out!  Later that night she arrives at her grandparents’ home.  Her brother is there with his fiance.  Her Pop has forgiven him.  Her father calls her.  Magically she has a perfect day and her family doesn’t seem so dysfunctional after all.

I could easily relate to Lily.  Who doesn’t think their family is somewhat dysfunctional?  I know there were times I wished I had a different family, just as I’m sure many teens feel the same way.  Part of life is realizing your family is all you have and dysfunctional or not you have to learn to accept them for who they are.  You have to forgive their flaws and focus on their best qualities.  Lily realizes this when she sees her family together at her Pop’s house.