How Do You Define “Family”? with Carolyn Greene

By Carolyn Greene

We were the Brady Bunch.  But different.  Whereas the popular TV family featured a mom, a dad, three girls, three boys, and a housekeeper (RIP, Ann B. Davis, a.k.a. “Alice”), ours consisted of a mom, a dad, one girl (moi!), five boys, and unfortunately no housekeeper.

Although we weren’t as syrupy sweet as those sitcom kids, in the yours-mine-and-ours family of my youth none of us ever used the words “step-” or “half-” when referring to our siblings.  To our way of thinking, we were all just sister and brothers.  Perhaps that’s why I like to explore the concept of family in my novels, whether the members are joined by birth, adoption, marriage, or choice.  Family is love, regardless of its origin.

In Unexpected Reunion (Book 1 of Love Inspired’s Southern Blessings series, release date June 2014) Ruthie Chandler was taken under the nurturing wings of Gray Bristow’s grandparents while she was still in her teens.  They called her their “honorary granddaughter,” and the best part of being accepted into their loving unit was meeting and falling in love with their handsome grandson.  Later she became engaged to Gray, which would have solidified her place among the Bristows, but when a crisis of faith while serving in Afghanistan caused him to break their engagement, the family dynamics changed for the worse.  However, after he returns from his military duty, it’s ultimately a family problem that brings the couple back together, and they end up adding to their extended clan in a way none of them ever anticipated.

What is the most unique family situation you’ve either known or been a part of?

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Carolyn Greene’s family consists of a retired-fire-chief husband, a son who’s studying for his Ph.D., a schoolteacher daughter, a son-in-law, and a brand new granddaughter.  And let’s not forget the two hyperactive miniature pinschers who crowd into her chair while she writes.  Carolyn writes romance novels for Love Inspired and mysteries for Guideposts Books.

Roses and regrets--Lenora Worth

Hi. My miniature rose bush is blooming. It's really a running rose and the brutal winter seemed to make it want to grow and grow. It's gorgeous right now. The previous owner of our house left a huge statue in the yard of two women from ancient days, caring water jugs. I've always called this statue "Ruth and Naomi", because the women are walking and laughing. They seem to be sharing a secret that no one else can hear.

I love my Ruth and Naomi statue. The running roses love it, too. They cling to the two women and circle them in an embrace of roses. I've often stared at the the two, wondering what trials they suffered, what secrets they share. Their smiles are lovely but a bit naughty, as if to say "We'd love to tell you but we can't." I wonder if they've cried together and shared heartache and regrets at times, too. I always feel better, knowing Ruth and Naomi are surrounded by beautiful, tiny red roses. After all, what women doesn't love roses? But the important thing I know about these two is that God's love is all around them as they journey along a dusty road, and promise to always stay near each other. That brings me comfort when I have to come back inside and work while they frolic in my garden. Do you have garden stories or a favorite garden ornament that brings you joy? And do you have a favorite friend you can share both laughter and regrets with? I hope so.