Family Treasures
Then Father asked Jerome to help him add more wood to the smoker, and my uncles made room for Dylan to sit down and join them in a game of dominoes. "I think we are just going to hang out in my room," I said, hoping to rescue my friends from this nightmare. "No, that’s OK," Dylan said. "This slapping dominoes game looks like fun!" Uncle Roberto chuckled and began explaining the finer rules of dominoes to Dylan...As I stood there and watched my friends, I realized I felt surprised. Surprised by their interest in my extended family, surprised that Dylan was laughing and slapping his dominoes as though he had been playing for years, and surprised that Jerome enjoyed listening to my father ramble on about our family recipes. But the biggest surprise was how I felt—honored to belong to this large and passionate family.
A Perspective on Paradise
By the time we got back to the campsite, dusk was approaching...That night always felt magical to me. We roasted marshmallows, Mom taught us silly songs, and Dad told us suspenseful stories. That was our first—and last—camping trip. In some ways it was our worst vacation ever; every day something seemed to go wrong. But somehow it ended up being our best vacation, too. Mom and Dad taught us the importance of perspective, and by the end of that trip, we were all convinced that it really is the people, not the place, that make a perfect day.
What is a common theme in these excerpts?
How teenagers can feel embarrassed by their families.
How family bonds can be strengthened in surprising ways.
The history of recreational activities such as games and storytelling.
The importance of friendship and the ties that bind friends together.