Family as an Institution - Essay Example

Order 404622 Topic: Family as an (Marriages and families tenth addition by Mary Ann Lamanna) This is the famous drug demand reduction and rehabilitation center of Houston. I am a regular visitor to this center for the last four months. I come during the weekends to visit my friend Roberts. I find it difficult to believe that this was the same lively soul with whom I used to take lunch every afternoon, months ago. “Hows Robert doing?” The doctor gives a professional, wry smile! “He is showing signs of recovery!

” But I dont see any. Robert is going from bad to worst-- from the point of views of his physical health, as I see him. He has forgotten to smile! * * * An oriental wise-counsel goes thus: The word “Vivaha” (marriage) is beautifully composed. “Vaha” means to flow. “Vi” means harmoniously together. As such, the word “Vivaha” means to flow together harmoniously!” Two distinct individuals, two separate personalities, born and brought up in two different families, environments, try to come together from the day of marriage, to find a common identity, a common goal and to be precise, a common all!

This is an ideal position which the families in all the countries, all over the world would like to achieve. Who doesnt wish to be happy? Things do not materialize as planned. The life before marriage and the life after marriage are poles apart. They say, marriage is like a fort; those who are within wish to come out; those who are out, wish to get in! But marriage continues to be an universal organization. One feels sorry—why families are breaking? Why such a wonderful institution is cracking?

This is the story of Robert Mill, my neighbor and friend at Richmond Community Houston. A young man of 32 years. I know Roberts for the last five years. We were working for the same company. He was in the Public Relations Department. He was dating a colleague, Ann, for as many years. She joined the organization as a receptionist, six months after Robert joined the Organization. “Its love at first sight!” Robert often used to say. Before, we lunched together. After she joined, Robert lunched with her.

Good going! Great going! Two years continued thus. Robert used to heap praise on her qualities of head and heart. Robert was posted at a project site for six months; in the meantime, Ann joined a multi-national organization, for bettering her career prospectus! “She gets more dollars-package almost doubled!” Good going—but not so good when Robert returned on completion of his outstation assignment. I found a completely changed Robert from day one. “Ann was not seen in the house for the last two weeks, her phone number was not responding.

I had to contact you at the site.” Robert was silent. I could smell alcohol sitting near him. I knew he loves whiskey, but not this way—while on office duty. I was sorry to see Robert in such poor health and spirits. “I think, its farewell to Ann. She is going steady with the Vice-President of the Organization— tells me that she wants a divorce!” I listen in disbelief! “Any special reasons?” No complaints as such against me. But she is ambitious. The lifestyles are different.

There is a difference in staying in a two-bed room apartment with me and in a posh bungalow, and some latest cars of the Vice-President. “I wish to enjoy my life,” she says, “I am sick of the routine life of the middle class!” “Ann is a nice individual. Do you think my counseling will help? Shall I talk to her?” “Its too late. Ann caries a five-month old fetus, of the Vice-President.. .I watch with dismay, the downfall of Roberts. Within a month he has turned a chain-smoker.

obviously he drinks heavily now.” I try my best to cheer him up. “Roberts, you are young and handsome. You can always marry another girl!” “Handsome? Did you say that? Ann used to repeat that word times without number, before and after our marriage. She often said that she was very lucky to get me as husband!” What has happened to the American society? Americans do love to have a happy family. Family values are important for Americans. Why youngsters like Ann go astray?

Is this the impact of the materialistic civilization? Robert proceeds on leave for two months. I try my best and tell him not to take leave at this juncture. “I just cannot concentrate on my duties,” was his reply. “The leave period is going to come to an end. What will you do thereafter?” Robert is silent. I visit him during the weekends. After a couple of weeks, a member of the community tells me, “I saw your friend at the drug joint.” ….Robert is fired from the job.

Thanks to the social security, he is admitted to a government-run drug demand rehabilitation center! * * * The center has a library. There are many books and journals on reformation and rehabilitation of the drug addicts. I search some of the topics intensely, so that I can counsel Robert on the right lines. I wish him out of this centre as early as practicable. Is Robert destined to an opportunity to lead a normal life?

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