The 7-Letter Word I No Longer Use, At Least Not In the Noun Sense

Before I get to the 7-letter word I no longer use, here’s some I still plan on using, at least as the need arises:

• aileron (n) a hinged surface in the trailing edge of an airplane wing, used to control lateral balance
• fustian (n) thick, durable twilled cloth with a short nap, usually dyed in dark colors
• pyloric (adj) relating to or affecting the region where the stomach opens into the duodenum

I know what you’re thinking, you already use all these words all the time like I do, right? “I used a fustian to cover the hole in the aileron to avoid having that pyloric feeling.” Man if I had a dime every time I uttered those words.

Anyway, the 7-letter word I will no longer use, at least in the noun form is a group or system of interconnected people or things – aka a NETWORK.

Like a bolt of lightning, it occurred to me the other day, after using that 7-letter word to describe my group or system of interconnected people or things that it is a very cold and sterile word; it’s not a word anywhere near befitting how I feel about my group or system of interconnected people or things.

No, the people in my group or system of interconnected people or things mean a whole lot more to me than is conveyed via this 7-letter dispassionate, antiseptic word.

Cue Sister Sledge

While some of you may be too young to know who Sister Sledge is, I can all but guarantee that you have danced to their most famous song at a wedding reception once or twice in your lifetime.

Was I right? Of course I was. Of course you’ve heard this song before and danced to it many times. Well this song also happens to contain the 6-letter word I now use to describe my group or system of interconnected people or things.

FAMILY

I was thinking of the best way to describe how I view the word family and I came across this gem below. It is so perfect; so spot on; so on-the-money I knew I had to use it here. I don’t who wrote it but if I did I would give that person the hugest of shoutouts.

Those who know me and those I know best know just how special you are to me. I have been so incredibly blessed to not only meet but to get to know and become close with so many incredibly talented, good, solid people in my career.

There are far too many to name but then again I don’t need to name them; you know who you are.

To them I say you are no longer in my network.

You are now in my family.

And speaking of family, below is something I am sharing for my ‘brother’ Brian DeMarco, one of the most genuine people I have ever met. Those of you old enough may remember Brian from his playing days with Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL.

Brian’s son Enzo is in the fight of his life and needs our help and prayers. Please take a minute to click on the Go Fund Me page set up to help Enzo and if you’re moved to donate, thank you. If not, please send prayers.