The Ties That Bind

This particular blog is for my younger friends and family.... Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending an anniversary party for one of my cousins, Joe, and, his wife Brenda. They hit the 25 year mark in their marriage, and, they thoughtful gave a party to renew their vows for family and friends. Of course, all went well. The couple look more in love with each other than ever... As the party continued into the evening, and the alcohol and food were being consumed, the laughs and stories were flowing freely. This is a fun crowd, the Bersani Family. They are on my Mother's side, so we told the tales of the sisters Grimmer, Pat and Gloria. Always with a laugh. And, at the end, always with a tear in our throats. My Mother and her sister are gone, along with my Dad and Uncle Joe. But, the best legacy left is the kids. My sister Lisa and me. And, my cousins. I believe we all have done our parents proud on how we live our lives and how we treat the world. Are any of us perfect? No. Who wants to be? We have flaws. We have problems. We make mistakes. Its called being human. But, there is a goodness of the heart that is in all of us. We got that from our parents. Hopefully, this has been passed down to the next generation. I believe it has.... Now, this is where I would like the younger people to take some notice. I was smoking a cigar, given to me, as always, by my cousin Margaret's husband , the good Jim Furlong. I took a scan around the party, almost like a journalist, and, took a mental reading. Obviously, I have a bias. I love these people. But, this is just as crucial, I LIKE THEM TOO!!!. Sadly, that is not always the case with families. The fights and arguments I had with my brother when he was alive would fill notebooks [ and, in the next dimension my brother and I will sit down and iron out our problems]. There is a joy around my family that is rewarding. You feel good around them. From our parents, we inherited their sense of never losing contact with each other. To always be there for each other. The thought that ran through my mind when I was smoking that fine cigar was, ''I hope the next generation carries the torch like we have.'' I believe they will. All the rest of life is window dressing, be it the fine homes, the big paycheck, who is more successful. What counts most is the people you love. Your family. The close friends you make family. As long as you have that in your life, nothing else matters, besides , of course, your health. YOU HEAR THAT OUT THERE, YOUNG PEOPLE? MY NEPHEWS? MY EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS?.... I heard this refrain often growing up. It kinda sunk in, but, when your young thoughts of a serious nature are fleeting: ''Yeah, it is important, but, so is that hot woman I'm dating!! So is the great job I'm getting that is just around the corner!!! So is that party I'm going to with my friends!!!!''.. So, please take a breath , my young cohorts. Appreciate all of the good times. I did the same things you do-- and, much more!!! But, also, take a moment to appreciate the people who won't always be there. Enjoy the moment. Work out the problem that you are having. The only true arguments you have in life that are important are arguments you have with someone you love. Enjoy the family. Throw the arms around each other and tell them you love them. There will be a time when you can't. You don't want  any regret in not doing it when you have the chance.... So, wrapping up I would like to give a family nod and bow to my cousins: Elaine, Patty, Gloria, Christine, Margaret, Joe, Paul, Michael, Tony, and, their respective spouses, children, relatives, and friends. And, my cousins on my Fathers side of the family, Tom and Nick and Uncle Tom. And, of course, sister Lisa and my nephews Johnny and Joey and their kids. I love all of you people and I'm glad you are in my life!!! I could not ask for any better people to give my love to!!!!