What is family? We all have our own definition and for the most part it is a biased rendition of the truth.  We are prone to believe, through our own experiences, the reality divulged in front of us.  I pose to you again the same question - what is family?     

Family is a name given to those people who share with you the calamities, adversities and good fortune of daily life.  We are, by some given glory, placed together to face what lies ahead.  We laugh, cry and at times argue about the most mundane things, but through it all we become something more, more than strangers that is. 

To all the rabble rousers who take to knocking each other out in the midst of true sportsmanship - to all the players, jocks, competitors, professionals, and amateur sports thespians who take to the court or field with pride, we salute you.  Without your showmanship and hard work our weekends would be lost and forgotten.  You understand what it takes to be a part of something great, so you sweat, bleed and sometimes scream in agony for your art. 

On the field, athletes share the struggles and victories associated with playing a sport.  Hollywood has triumphed over and over again with their renditions of sport inspired films usually adapted, or so they claim, from a real life story.  The underdog, for example, is a common theme used many times.  Have you ever cried watching a sappy film based on some sports figure or team? Someone pass the tissues please this is going to be even sadder than the film Brian's Song.  

Your job is not easy.  You must perform at a heightened ability every time no matter the situation.  Broken bones and concussions are just mild occurrences to you.  You must get the win not just for yourself, but for your family, your fellow teammates who are there with you taking each blow and set back with dignity and gumption.  Yes, Chess can be a dangerous sport. 

We show family pride by our actions on and off the court.  We show it by celebrating in the end zone, by jumping in the air after someone scores, by greeting someone with a high five, by wearing a uniform, by sending a personalized card or note with our family name, monogram, or crest.  We do all this because… we are a family…cue the music!