Family values

I come from a long line of people who believe good intentions accompanied by poor choices will turn out well in the end.

In the name of momentary happiness we play Russian roulette with our lives and the lives of those we love even though history and the odds are against us -- because that is what we do.

Then we are amazed and dismayed when things turn out poorly -- or worse, but still, that is who we are.

We are nice people! The three second smile seems to be enough for us, but it leaves a deceptively deep layer of anger lying right below the surface. 

It has taken me years to step out of the family conga line, but sometimes, when I get too close, I can still feel the anger trailing behind.