Family Relations and The Future

Over these past few days while reading My Antonia, I began to think about how they all had such close family ties with each other. As I thought about it more, I decided that the family ties seem to be much less than they were in the past. I know that I talk to my distant relatives often and stay in touch a lot with my close ones. I believe that family ties are very important in today's society. What do you think?

Also reading the last book in My Antonia, I also started to wonder what I will do in 20 years - if I was to reunite with one of my close friends.
- Will I act the same as Jim did?
- Will you try to keep in touch with your friends 20 years from now?
I mean I know most people will say, yes of course, but really think about it, I mean it will be 20 years from now, will you even think about your old friends? This book, unlike others that I have read, had me thinking and relating to the characters a lot because I could imagine myself in Jim's shoes at certain points. I was wondering if anyone else felt the same way as I did, reading this novel and what specific points could you relate to?

Michael L.

editor's note: This is a picture of a couple of guys I found on the Internet - they look like old friends. The picture is meant to invoke an image of you and a good friend getting together 20 years later...ya know, when you're older. Like 35 or something.