Many times people are asked to think about what is important to them. A person may say house, car, children, material objects and some may even say family. In the book Little Women (1868-1869) written by Louisa May Alcott illustrates several family values. The March family story begins during the Civil War in New England. The family is left to survive on their own because the father has gone to protect his country. Over the years of their lives, the March children, Margaret (Meg), Josephine (Jo), Beth and Amy, had to face the fact that they were very poor and could not have everything they wanted. While the family remained at home and waited for their father's return, they received "paternal" support from an old neighbor, Mr. Laurence. Mr. Laurence was a wealthy man, who seemed irritable, only to later discover that he was a loving, caring man with a big heart. As the March family continues to overcome difficult times in life, they continue to stand strong because they are blessed with family. The theme of Little Women is that family is a very important part of a person's life, everything is possible with the support of family. When the March family seemed to be at one of their lowest points, they stayed together more. We were in the middle of the war and Mr. March wasn't at home, money was very scary and everyone had to make sacrifices. Each girl seemed to want more than she could, when Marmee, as the girls called Mrs. March, just wanted her children to be happy and her husband to come home safely. Yet, once again, during this time, family was important. During one of the nights when the girls sat and sewed at their mother's feet, the story of the family is told. In a time of poverty at its height, Aunt March suggested... in the middle of the paper... an elegram is sent to the March house informing that Mr. March has fallen ill. Mrs. March quickly prepares to go and treat him, but once again the lack of money dampens the plans. In Jo's desire to help out, she goes to town, sells her hair for money, and raises twenty-five dollars to contribute to the trips. Jo taught the lesson that a family must make sacrifices. Even though life was hard and money was scarce, the March family knew what needed to be done and they did it together. "From dances to despair, through weddings and funerals, the March girls are like sisters." (back cover) Everything the girls have ever wanted has come true, but it wouldn't have happened if they didn't have the support and love of their family. Anything is possible with the help and love that comes from being a family. Alcott, Louisa May, Little Women. New York: Scholatic Inc.2000