Spokane may not be paradise, but there are plenty of positives

It’s “Families” day in the Today section.

So let’s get right to the heart of the matter.

Today’s Slice question: Spokane is a great place to raise a family if …

A) There is love in the home. B) The family business does not involve stealing floral arrangements from graves. C) There is at least one grandparent on the scene who never tires of saying, “See you in the funny papers.” D) The dog doesn’t always have to be the responsible, mature one.

E) No parent is asked to track down a kid’s shoes more than a dozen times a day. F) You have friends who listen. G) The parents are not so dysfunctional that they can’t even help themselves. H) The parents are not paranoid conspiracy theorists.

I) Everyone in the family realizes that life in Spokane is what you make it. J) You can earn a living here. K) Health challenges are met with courage and grace. L) Even at times of stress and resentment, the children understand down deep that their mom would throw herself in front of a train if that’s what it took to keep them safe.

M) You have decent dental care. N) You belong to the “We’re going to the lake” set. O) The parents understand the importance of academic achievement as a door-opener. P) The kids know what it’s like to look in their father’s eyes and see just how proud of them he is.

Q) Weeks go by without anyone in the household being named a “person of interest” in a police investigation. R) Physical abuse and substance abuse don’t cast a heartbreaking shadow over everything. S) The home is filled with a sweet brand of laughter. T) Someone in the home understands the importance of nutrition and exercise.

U) The toddlers don’t refer to an oft-used bail bondsman as “Uncle Ralph.” V) There are regular breakfasts and bedtimes and the kids aren’t growing up feral. W) You are lucky enough to get help and encouragement when you need it from some of the many, many wonderful people here. X) Whatever the makeup of the family, everybody roots for one another.

Y) Someone is there to sit down beside you when you cry. Z) Other.