The Secret of Support

By Gail Sheehy

The Heath family members are all their own bosses: Among them are a film producer, a lawyer, an insurance manager, a school principal, a substitute teacher, and an administrator. They were encouraged by their loving parents, Raylene and Larry, to express themselves while growing up.

Son-in-law Bud, who's been part of the family for 41 years, qualified it: "You can tell they're all very intelligent people. They're all professional. So when they get together, they will tend to work things out in a polite and professional manner."

For a large, outspoken family, a family meeting could be tricky, but it was crucial that the Heaths have one.

• Continue reading Gail's journal about the Heath Family