Regardless of the nature of our relationships with our families, the roots from which we sprang add value to our lives by reminding us that we are a part of something far larger than ourselves. When we feel disconnected from our experiences, we need only to look back upon the rich heritage that led to our being on earth in the present. Our connections to the past remain the same whether those we call relatives are bound to us by blood or law. In our familial bonds, we discover the source of the patterns that define our likes and dislikes, our behavior, and our aptitudes. Whether we choose to embrace these patterns is up to us, but our recognition of them gives us the tools we need to better understand ourselves. Your loyalties will play a part in your growth as you investigate how your family shaped your development.