So many people have this surgery without any complications so it's obviously a concern when things aren't straightforward. Having spent the last six months supporting my Mr T with all his eye issues, & knowing how unpleasant it is when the medication causes problems, she has my empathy. I also understand the empty nest situation; I got used to the girls leaving home but I'd be lost without a pet, even though our dratted Sox has killed two dunnock fledglings this week & is in disgrace.
I know what you mean & I think it's American because they tend to use family as a general term. It might look better if it was 'Families are like branches...' or 'Our family is like branches...'.