Society's basic unit is the family. No one can say they exist all to themselves and not thank the mix of genes that has made them what they are. My sister e-mailed a story that started out with a woman being bumped by a stranger, when he apologized she accepted. After work she goes home and prepares dinner, as she turned and bumped into her son…in the process spilling some soup from the pot. She screamed at him and told him to get out of her way. That night in bed she reflected on her behavior and was impressed to go check the kitchen. On the floor were several flowers on the floor by the sink, trampled on.They were meant for her…

In short, the one who really mattered was the one hurt the most. People tend to be too accommodating to strangers when their families get the raw end of the deal.

The day ended with an e-mail sent to my sister and finally opening the lines of communication after 2 months of estrangement.