As I grow older, the value of family becomes more evident with each passing year. It’s not just about the shared memories or traditions but the deep, unshakable bonds that remind me of who I am and where I come from.
This Thanksgiving, I was reminded of how precious those bonds are. My parents, now in their golden years—my Dad at 91 and my Mom at 89—are still with us, anchoring our family with their wisdom and love. Though my older brother Tom passed away in 2008, his memory lives on through his children, Megan and Roger. They carry forward his spirit in ways both big and small.
My younger brother Ben and his wife Gabri split their time between two homes—one in the U.S. and another in Italy, a labor of love rebuilt by Gabri’s father, a skilled Italian stonemason. Their two adopted boys from Russia are growing up surrounded by a rich tapestry of cultures and histories, a testament to the global and interconnected world we live in.
My sister's family has grown as well. Her twins, Alex and Samantha, have charted impressive paths in life. Sam, a doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and Alex, a programmer also based in Boston, have already made their mark. Alex and his wife Jenni recently welcomed a baby boy, Wesley, just four months ago. Holding Wesley for the first time at our Thanksgiving reunion felt like a full-circle moment—a continuation of the family legacy.
Our gathering was a microcosm of joy and connection. The evening was filled with conversations about children and the hope they bring, delicious food that reminded us of shared traditions, and music that brought everyone together. Lydecke’s son Matt graced us with a piano performance of "Autumn Leaves," a poignant and fitting choice for the season. His talent, like so many in the family, was a reflection of the care and passion that seems to run in our veins.
There was little talk of politics and much focus on what truly matters: the love of family, the laughter of children, and the belief in a brighter, more hopeful future. It reminded me that even in a world that can feel divided or chaotic, these moments of connection are what truly sustain us.
As I reflect on the evening, I’m filled with gratitude—not just for the food on our table but for the people around it. Every generation brings its own unique gifts, from my parents’ steady presence to the promise held in little Wesley’s tiny hands. Together, they form the threads of a rich and enduring tapestry, one that continues to grow with each passing year.
Family is everything. And as I look forward to the coming days, I hold onto the hope and love that this reunion has left in my heart. It’s a reminder to cherish the present, honor the past, and nurture the future.