The family unit is a fundamental source of strength for people around the world. Even though more and more people are living alone today, many adults are beginning to see the true benefits of remaining in the power of numbers. The next few paragraphs will address the positives of family life through encouragement, compassion, understanding, and dependability. Overall, the greatest advantage of a family is the availability of emotional support. When life is overwhelming, loved ones can help carry the burden of daily problems, providing strength to face tomorrow's challenges. In fact, according to the Allina Health System Foundation (1999), "in strong families, members can rely on each other...for a sympathetic ear, or simply when they need to know that someone cares » (¶ 10). In times of crisis, loved ones offer refuge through phone calls, internet chats and home visits, which provide excellent opportunities for inspiration and self-confidence building. However, the most important element is that loved ones give each other the gift of hope....