WOW! Congrats. What a splendid idea. I don't think I need to hold a funeral yet, but I will keep the...
The Homecoming
As a visitor, watching a very different kind of family than I've known in my life,
Papa, heads this very New York Italian-Catholic-Jewish-Asian clan,
while Mama has taken her leave to heaven,
and the three grown kids with spouses and children return home.
They come back once in the summer and once at Christmas,
just like clockwork,
to catch up on each other’s lives and spend loving time together.
This multi-cultural and multi-religious family,
demonstrates respect for each other’s differences,
by understanding and keeping all meals Kosher.
At mealtimes when everyone gathers,
the Catholic family members,
do not complain about the food restrictions,
but instead, they understand it as an expectation and lovingly accommodate.
The women in the family take turns cooking at mealtime,
and obviously care about the outcome of their meal,
insuring that their special course is thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The men are not left out of meal preparations,
so they take their rightful place outside grilling to perfection,
and then proudly present their contribution to the women,
like a fine piece of artwork.
Mealtime appears to be an important part of the day,
with lots of interesting and active engagement with each other,
and always compliments to each other on the tastiness of the food.
At dinner, the oldest are served first while the youngest wait patiently,
everyone sitting together very closely crowded around the table,
sometimes touching each other lovingly or wiping drips from faces,
and simply enjoying the time they have in this moment, together.
The evening does not end with the meal,
and there must be a traditional desert,
each and every night with a different assortment of yummy sweets.
Now, shortly after dinner they come together, to have coffee and their favorite deserts,
and no matter where they sit,
the intention is the same, to share together, to laugh,
and simply enjoy the company of each other.
There is no underlying anger or animosity,
and in making plans, everyone's needs are considered,
and problems are solved with relative ease; input is accepted from all.
This family appears to function well,
with kindness and consideration being a key element,
and each person seems motivated to get along,
for the well-being of the entire family.
The closeness they feel is obvious- needing no words,
the respect they feel for each other and their children-very clear,
and the kindness they offer their friends-very touching.
If you are lucky enough to enjoy a homecoming with this family,
you will feel warmly welcomed,
very respected for your talents and gifts,
and mostly, you will encounter a comfortable and peaceful feeling of home.