Our lives get complicated and when we add holidays and family gatherings to them we may take the complicated up exponentially. I try to see the players (characters) and plots in a perspective that shines a light on their strengths. Sometimes it’s tough. We all have that one relative (and you know who I mean) that we need to love in spite of, rather than because it’s easy. We live together, we fight over silly things, but we love each other. Come at a family and you'll wished you'd been lowered into a pit with starving wild animals. We might taunt family, but no one else better! As an author, family get togethers are fodder for writing! These stories surround gatherings, friends, family and group events. My wish is that you may embrace each individual in a way that brings new perspective and clarity and that your table brings rich Ohana to you. Ohana= is the Hawaiian term for family whether by blood or by heart. And no family member is ever left behind. These 25 short inspirational stories about family will have you laughing, crying and maybe recognizing a few of your own family characters.