My family has been my support throughout my entire life. From teaching me how to walk and read, to watching me walk across the stage and receive my Doctor of Pharmacy diploma, they’ve always been there. When something was wrong, they answered my calls. When I was nervous, they calmed me. When I accomplished something worth bragging about, they did the bragging. Let’s face it:  My family rocks.

My parents have taught me that hard work pays off, true love conquers all, and that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. (Shout-out to my mom, who is currently attending college at the age of 56 to fulfill a lifelong dream she’s had – to graduate college. And she’s doing that while continuing to raise a family and work full time. Mom, you’re a rockstar and I love you!) My brother has shown me that having a positive outlook on life can help you overcome even the worst of circumstances. (Shout-out to him for celebrating six years as a clean recovering addict. I’m so proud to call you my best friend.) And lastly, my sister has taught me that even when you can’t communicate with words, magical things can happen. (She’s been riding horses since she was a little girl, and when I see the way that she and the horse become one when she’s riding, it’s absolutely breathtaking.)

Some of you may already know this story, but I’ll tell (a brief version of) it anyway. When my mom was nineteen, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl whom she placed for adoption. About ten years ago, that baby girl (who had grown to her 20s) found my mom (and our family) after much searching. To have this addition to my family was (and is) truly a blessing. She now lives with her husband and two beautiful daughters (which makes me a proud Uncle Eric) in Northern Virginia. This unique story makes my family even more special!

My mom is one of ten children, so needless to say, I’ve got a huge family. My dad only has one sister, but his side of the family is just as special to me. In losing both of my paternal grandparents (Oma in 2010 and Opa just a few short weeks ago), I have had time to reflect on just how awesome the gift of family really is.

Having such a wonderful family has given me a clear picture of what I desire when starting a family of my own:  A supportive wife who will be by my side “in good times and in bad”, that God will bless me with children who will work hard to succeed, and of course a dog to spoil!

The World Meeting of Families was created in 1994 by Pope John Paul II to explore the critical role the family plays in society and to give families opportunities to talk about the challenges and blessings that all families have. This year, the World Meeting of Families is being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from September 22-27, 2015. What a truly exciting time this is for my faith, the Catholic Church, and the City of Philadelphia. With this worldwide celebration being held in the United States, there has been much prayerful reflection on the concept of family in my church. I invite you to pray the following prayer with your family:

God and Father of us all,
in Jesus, your Son and our Savior,
you have made us
your sons and daughters
in the family of the Church.

May your grace and love
help our families
in every part of the world
be united to one another
in fidelity to the Gospel.

May the example of the Holy Family,
with the aid of your Holy Spirit,
guide all families, especially those most troubled,
to be homes of communion and prayer
and to always seek your truth and live in your love.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!

Families can be so different and unique, but what unites all families is their love for one another and the memories they share together. As the old adage goes, “We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.” So, in closing, I ask all of you:  What does “family” mean to you?