How Do You Measure Wealth?

The current economic recession has taken a wrecking ball to society’s airy pursuit of endless wealth. American has lost its Midas touch, and only the phantoms of past success remain. But in the desert of this depression lurk small and beautiful flowers. Towers of treasure have tumbled down, but in the rubble, families have found joy and friendship. The minimalism and conservationism adopted by society has forced families to come together, both economically and socially, and thus they have become more than relatives; they have become friends.

The Recession

Officially introduced in December 2007 by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the economic recession has implacably soldered itself to the money, time and attitudes of every American family. The current national unemployment rate is 9.6%, and the median family income in 2008 was $50,303, less than a decade previous.

As a result, Bob Cratchits have cropped up all over America, working long hours and barely coping. Stranglehold budgets have forced families to adopt untried strategies – but, one can argue, for the better. Family members are turning to each other. Not the government, not the charity – each other.

Housing Crisis

This phenomenon has been brought on by the housing crisis. 61% of state and local homelessness coalitions say they have seen a rise in homelessness, according to an April 2008 study by the National Coalition for the Homeless. Nearly 40% of those who bought homes before the housing crisis were young, first-time buyers, and now struggle to pay their ballooning mortgages. Seniors are losing their homes, and due to their typical fixed low incomes are unable to purchase property. But as Gaynor Borade says, “There is no doubt that in adversity, there is always an opportunity.”

Families Coming Back Together

In order to get by, families have pulled closer together. Some, like Kanessa Tixie, a 26-year publicist living with her dad and family to help him pay off a $5,000-month mortgage, move in with family to pay off debts and loans. Others, like Dylan and Monique Fliehmann, have moved back in with parents to focus on education; Dylan studies to become a firefighter. Dylan says he sometimes wonders, “Why did I leave? You know, this is the best place I’ve ever been.”

More and more, families are switching out Disneyland for a weekend camp-out and expensive IMAX trips for a fun in-home movie night. Debra Holtzman, lawyer, spokesperson and author, notes, “In today's economy, families are looking for ways to fill in the gaps left by having to give up expensive activities.” She recommends simple activities such as eating together, volunteering at local organizations, playing music together, and walking the streets together.

A Welcome Fallout 

The message? Family and friendship does not take money. It takes patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and a basketful of laughter.

Smiles, laughter, tears – these are things that bind a family, not stashes of greenbacks. Financial kingdoms may have toppled, but in the resulting quiet, away from busy business, pure meaning and simple joy may be found. Maybe wealth should be measured in smiles.

 by Andrew Herrick