I tend more often to ask "How the family?" as my own mother passed away several years ago. I find that in my generation, families tend to be rather complex, given the high divorce rate when we were kids, etc. So asking about "the family" covers all sorts of step-parents, half-siblings, double-step siblings, etc, etc., and gives the person the chance to be specific when answering if they want.

Nice article, Liz.