I Love My Family

This past Sunday me cousin Jill hosted a family brunch. It is the first time we have all been together since Passover, which is unacceptable. My family means the world to me. I am the person I am today largely due to their influences and their love. My fondest memory so far in my life is of Friday Night Dinners at the grandparents house. Yes, every Friday. Every Friday we gathered in old tradition as many Jewish families do throughout the world. Although we would usually light Shabbat candles, the true motive of our gatherings was the to opportunity to spend time together. I am so lucky to have such a great family. So many families today are split by distance and/or (often stupid) conflict. The distance factor is out (so far) as everyone lives in the Baltimore area and although we disagree on some things and are all very different we appreciate and love one another for who they are.

Grandmom and Grandpop died within 7 months of each other a little under 3 years ago. Wow, I can't believe it was that long ago. I will say though, they were kicking until their last days. Their deaths were a turning point for the family and also myself alone. Our Friday nights slowed in the last few years of their lives and pretty much stopped after Grandmom's death. It was strange after spending every Friday night of my life at their house in Granite, MD. I still miss it. But as a family, we still try to stay in touch. It is always a pleasure to look down at my phone and see a call from them. We gather a few times a year - the more the better, but as we all grow older our lives continue to drift.

Here are some pics I took at Jill's:







I have so many more but I think this is probably enough for one post.