From one of the family, thank you: Steve Gleason
Published: Sunday, October 09, 2011, 8:41 AM
By Contributing Op-Ed columnist

It seems a normality now, but when I first moved to New Orleans I was astonished by the closeness of the families I met. Moving here from Washington State in 2000 for my rookie year with the Saints was an eye-opening experience. From day one, I felt strangely connected, like family.

That year I remember being invited to Mark Hughes' parents' house for Christmas Eve. There must have been 100 people at the house, and they were all family members.

I made a remark about how amazed I was that all this family flew into New Orleans for Christmas that year. Mark promptly replied that no one had flown in, and, not only that, everyone lived within 10 minutes of the house.
Unbelievable.

When I met Michel, we had red beans and rice at her parents' house. Her brothers, Vinnie and Paul Jr., drove a mile from their houses, and her grandfather walked a half block from his house to join us. Three generations within a mile of each other. Amazing.

During the past 11 years of my life I have been overwhelmed by the concept of family that is so very unique to New Orleans. When asked about New Orleans, I always tell people that the sense of family and community is this city's strongest asset. I absolutely love walking into a locally owned restaurant and feeling like I just stumbled into a neighbor's house as they are setting dinner.

When Michel and I were married in 2008 on the Bayou St. John bridge we danced with friends and family on the streets of the city. Now it seems only fitting that Michel and I will start our own family here as we are expecting our first child in a few short weeks.

more: From one of the family, thank you: Steve Gleason | NOLA.com

Very similar to holiday family gatherings in Hawaii.

As a general rule, any island population will have less genetic diversity and greater inbreeding. Follow the dancing Beagle to island biogeography.

Back to the link, the 'rest of the story' is well told and heart felt.

You sayin' NOLA ain't an island?

Not yet. Wait a couple of decades.