FINAL PROJECT IN SOCIOLOGY 9 (MARRIAGE AND FAMILY)

First part: MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY shows what God has done for me over
the years. I am expected to discover the fidelity of God and develop in the
process of self-discovery the sense of responsibility for my own spiritual
growth. This is the celebration of my giftedness and of the role my family
of origin has played in my initial formation as a person.
I am to focus on the details surrounding my birth into my natural family
and in the family of my faith; my positive and negative experiences that
served as opportunities that I am putting to good use. Such anecdotes
tucked in the folds of memory are written and reflected on as I see them in
a new light.
I am encouraged to express myself freely as nobody could write my
biography in the way that would please me. I, the author am advised to
put some pictures, the ones I like best. I am also to put my best in this
project presenting it in durable binding.
When my professor gets hold of this, my autobiography is not yet a
finished project. She expects me to leave some blank pages for me to
write on. It will be to my greatest good to continue writing my life story
through the coming years, long after college.

Second Part: MY FAMILY LOVE STORY reveals God at work in my

family of origin. The story begins with the very first meeting of my
parents, on to their courtship and eventual union as husband and
wife. The first house, the coming of the children, their Baptisms,
Holy Communions and Confirmations, graduations /investitures, the
family outings and reunions; the things the family did together, are
chronicled, happy or sad. Writing this second book makes me the
official family historian, appointed by God himself through the
course Marriage and Family. Perhaps this is the only chance I have
to immortalize the love of our parents that brought me to this
world.
The Warning: This project could open old wounds, expose skeletons
in the closet, reveal awful discoveries, or antagonize broken up
couples. Fact-finding, sifting of data and objective presentation
could be extremely difficult for some, especially if partners are
abroad, separated or not married at all, or have passed on to the
next life. I must time my approach and choose my words in
interviewing my parents or anyone in the know.

The Rewards: The joy of hearing my parents open up and entrust

their story to me, a son/daughter, would never fail to make me feel
so accepted in my parents adult world. I should thrill at the sight of
my parents transformed into glowing young lovers as they give their
own versions of events at the beginning of their love relationship.
Perhaps I would laugh at the way they tease each other. Maybe I
would get amused at their conflicting sides of the same story, or by
their affectionate arguing. The family camaraderie at table (initiated
by my innocent questions and followed by my siblings probing)
may provide my dear family this new-found release in exchanging
anecdotes, thus forging a renewed bonding among ourselves.
Understanding, forgiveness, reconciliation better communication,
release from self-doubt, appreciation of parental sacrifices,
participation in family decisions, and pride in the family heritage.
Discovering new relatives and new courage to face the future as a
family are but a few of the benefits of recording family stories. I
could turn out fiercely loyal to my family, whatever the outcome of
this research into my roots. Maybe, just maybe, I could fall in love
again with my favorite enemy brother/sister. All throughout the
narrative of my familys history, I hope to be able to pinpoint those
defining moments when GOD CLEARLY INTERVENED AND SHARED
OUR FAMILYS JOURNEY OF EVERY DAY LIFE. Since this project is
historical, I must try to include significant pictures of my siblings,
parents, grandparents, and relatives. The last picture in this book
could be the most recent family picture if not possible, at least a
collage.
Third Part: MY FUTURE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Writing this
last part will depend on my drive and curiosity. This may be difficult
at first but once I have taken off, I will surely give free reign to my
imagination and contrive beautiful, practical plans.
The parts in their correct order are as follows:

The person I will marry.

The person I have become
The children spacing of birth and family planning method to
be
used,
proposed
names,
desirable
characteristics,
involvements in the parish/village/barangay, summer courses
and schools of choice, exposures etc.

Family rules this will actually draw out my parenting styles,

together with that of my intended spouse. The values we hold
dear, the ways of our families of origin will be brought to light
here. There will also be proposed rules for both husband and
wife for better communication, understanding and example.
Ex. The way we regard household help (kasambahay),
assignment in the household chores, rotation or swap of duties
etc.
Midlife Plans include the provision for life, accident, health
care, educational and memorial plans. Taking care of the
spouse will occupy a special place in this position. I am to
imagine myself facing midlife and the need to make new
beginnings as my children have grown and I have more time
for myself. I can therefore consider active participation in
socio-civic and religious endeavors to make room for the
realization of the three-fold tasks of the family as envisioned
in Familiaris Consortio. There will be provisions for perennial or
terminal illness in the family and the possibility of having to
take care of the elderly, the mentally and the physically
challenged. Orwidow/widowerhood.
Obituary or how I would like my passing away be announced.
Probably I would also write something about how I would like
to be described by those lives I have touched.
Epitaph since death is a reality of family experience, I may
draft the contents of my own tombstone; the monument of a
Christian Family Life lived well.
In the end, MY FUTURE PLANS HOPE TO SHOW HOW I AM
GOING TO MAKE A LAST ATTEMPT TO MAKE SURE THAT MY
FAMILY WILL BE GOD-CENTERED AND MY CHILDREN AND
SPOUSE WILL SURELY BE HELPED GREATLY TO REACH THEIR
FINAL LAST END EVERLASTING LIFE IN GODS KINGDOM.

Possible Checklist for scoring:

Presentation

Candidness

10pts

Creativity

5pts

Veracity

20pts

40%

Durability

5pts

Content

Total

Material (details)-

30pts

Reflections

30pts

--

100%

60%