Good Morning, Everyone
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that the wedding in New Jersey was lovely. I had so much fun with extended family that included sisters, a brother, cousins, aunts, uncles, and parents. We usually do enjoy these gatherings- weddings, anniversaries and big birthday bashes. Even funerals give us an excuse to catch up and reconnect.
I credit my paternal grandmother for being the impetus in keeping the family talking, comforting, and celebrating, through the years and between generations. She nurtured the definition of family. Filling her house with those she cherished most brought her great joy. Disagreements ended with hearty hugs and a kiss. Forgiveness was granted with love. Although the extended families have expanded in number and many moved from our Brooklyn/Long Island epicenter, reunions and parties continue to dot our calendars. At least two family events are planned each year–the summer family picnic and the Christmas party. The weddings, anniversary, big birthday bashes and even funerals are additions to renew and revisit with those we cherish.
If we were having coffee this morning, I would vent about Hurricane Florence. My daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren live on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. My husband and I were scheduled to visit this weekend, but all flights were canceled five days before landfall. When the hurricane became a real threat, I voted for them to get in the car and drive north to Long Island. They stalled thinking the storm would spare them especially since the governor rescinded evacuation orders for their county. As the reports got more dire and power outages a probable outcome, they finally decided to pile into their car and drive south to Florida. There was no chance to head north. Hurricane Florence hit the east coast but steered more north sparing Hilton Head Island. My daughter and her family are traveling back today safe and sound. However, I am still a bit frenzied and extremely disappointed not to see my kids.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that my self-imposed word count limit is racking up. I will quickly sum up that the school days are getting closer to a rhythm. Hug Everyone You Know got a very nice review from the Red Headed Book Lover. A virtual video tour by Universal Design was posted. You can hear me read a chapter from the book 🙂 I will end by reminding all to Never Forget 9/11.
Once again, thank you, Eclectic Alli for managing Weekend Coffee Share.
Have a good weekend and week, Everyone. Make it great.
Antoinette Truglio Martin is the author of Hug Everyone You Know: A Year of Community, Courage, and Cancer. The memoir is a wimpy patient’s journey through her first year of breast cancer treatment.
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Good for your paternal grandmother for keeping your family connected. That is a such a wonderful gift to have. I’m glad to hear about your awesome book review and that your school year is getting into rhythm. I strongly agree with your closing thoughts; may the world never forget.
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How wonderful that your paternal grandmother instilled a love for family. I realized as the years go by how important the time I had with my grandparents, and mother, really was. That I actually cherish those conversations that we had more than 30 years ago today. I want my daughter to have that same experience. Thank you for a beautiful post. I hope you get to see your children soon.
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Stay safe Antoinette. Everything else can be set aside, but you must return safe.
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Antoinette, I love those huge, warm family celebrations. Nothing like them. My parents recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and there was family there along with friends they’d known throughout their lives. It was amazing. I also believe these gatherings of the wider family circle, are so important for giving us a sense of belonging and being part of something bigger than out household. It’s a beautiful thing.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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