I believe that the mind is a product of the brain and so are emotions. I believe in evolution, and our very old brain evolved to help us survive in very different circumstances than we have today. Unfortunately, surviving has nothing to do with feeling happy, and some of the strategies hardwired in our brains to help us survive, actually makes us suffer; makes us sad. The mind, on the other hand, rewires the brain all the time. The ultimate goal in life is to be happy. Whatever we do, ultimately we do it for our happiness. Wise is he who finds mechanisms to rewire the brain such that "it" enjoys what the world is showing, such that it finds tranquility and remain equanimous.
I'm glad that you love your family. Guess what: I love mine too and I'm trying to love yours too, because we're not that different.
And yes, we live in an illusion, fabricated by our brains. But, regardless of what reality really is, what we feel is what matters. Your love for your family is what matters. Your happiness is what matters, to you. And if you don't believe that we live in an illusion, take a look at this image: http://web.mit.edu/persci/people/adelson/checkershadow_illus...