Family First

 It’s so bittersweet looking back at old memories and missing the days that once were. Today, I found myself reminiscing about my childhood with my brothers, how far we’ve all come, how much we’ve grown, and the beautiful, journeys life has given each of us.

As I spend time with my older brother, I see the weight he carries with such grace. He plays the big brother role so well, holding it all together for his own family, for our parents, and even for us, his siblings. Being the oldest is such a huge responsibility. I see it now through the eyes of a mother, watching my own eldest son begin to take on that same nurturing role part protector, part brother, part child himself.

The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to nurture and protect the bond between siblings. Who do we truly have, if not each other? I’ve seen families torn apart siblings who grow distant, who stop speaking, until they barely remember one another. It’s heartbreaking, especially as a mother, to think of raising children with so much love only to see them grow into strangers. That kind of pain is unimaginable.

I’m blessed to be surrounded by strong, loving men who have taught me resilience, but also created space for me to stay soft, to be feminine, to be myself.

Now, our children are making memories together, a new generation growing up with the same love and values we were raised with. They have role models to look up to, and we have the opportunity to keep building the foundation our parents gave us.

Here’s to our family, to our parents, for all their hard work to keep us happy, and for teaching us the meaning of family, faith, and home.

                       Emunah