The period Thanksgiving – to – Christmas is designated by the Fraternal Order of Eagles as “Home and Family Month.” “Give thanks to the Lord for home and family, for friends and neighbors, for parents who share and children who care,” says an Eagles’ poster message distributed locally. This is a month also when churches and other groups promote closer family ties. Personal and mailed greetings, gift-giving, family dinners, prayers, family nights, worship – all these contribute to the spirit of the two holidays and the period between. The idea of a home – and family month is good because it puts stress on something that is vitally important the year around. Strong families are at the root of strong communities. When the home decays, so does civilization. Madame Ernestine Schumann I-leink (186141936), internationally-known operatic contralto, is credited with this statement which gives home and family their proper value: “Home: A roof to keep out the rain; four walls to keep out the cold. Yes, but home is more than that. It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth of loving hearts, light from happy eyes ‘ kindness, loyalty, comradeship. “Home is the first school and the first church for young ones where children learn what is right, what is good, and what is kind. There they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick. Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. “Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are wanted. Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned. Where money is not so important as loving kindness. Where even the teakettle sings from happiness. That is home – God bless it!” Home – and – family month is about over. We hope, however, that its message will linger throughout the year. Those who heed it will be better off for having done so.