by Michael Corthell The traditional definition of a 'normal family' is a married mother and father and their biological children living together. It may also include the previous generation. (picture The Waltons ). But what is 'family' in the Western world today, especially in America (or any part of the world)? Do you think a new definition of family is starting to emerge in our society? Let's first look at why family is important. What purpose the family serves and what the dynamics are. ''The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life.'' —Richard Bach A family unit is foundational, that is, it is the base unit of society and even greater than that, it is what defines human civilization itself. Let's look allegorically at civilization. View it as a complete human being. The family unit is then a cell in that body. Family is then is the original and basic cell of so...