Bonding with the boys - gone fishing? Not really. Just had a grand day out.
I've counted it to be a blessing to be an aunt to my nephews. I love them more than I thought I ever would and it brightens my day to hear that they call and want to spend some time with me. When I'm wrapped up in my singleness, I can count on them to bring me back to what's really important - that I have a place in the family.
They couldn't be more wrong thinking that I'm cool, but hey, I'm going to enjoy this one while I can! Today was one of those days - Ped emailed to arrange for our lunch date in the City with Mel. Drop everything. Of course I'll be there! That's the neatest thing about being retired, it's easy to be spontaneous and that's also the joy of being an aunt, no advanced planning.
Nothing fancy, Ped ordered a whole pizza pie and some sodas and then we talked about family business. It feels so good to get involved in their lives, especially about their grown-up children's lives. Mel is getting married for the second time and he discussed his plans for the ceremonies and the reception. My grandnephew with Ped, Marc was recently engaged and now making plans for a wedding next year. Bear hugs are great but there's nothing sweeter than these boys sharing their family plans with me. I felt the presence of my older brothers around me with whom I had great relationships.
Believe it or not, Mel and I had the larger share of the pie - three slices each while Ped had two. One of the best pies I've had - thin crust, crunchy and piping hot. Thick and saucy, for me that's a death sentence for pizza. I like it thin, not chewy, or cheesey and saucy. Since it's a no-meat Friday for Lent, it had to be the classic plain pizza and that one was really tasty.
Mel kept himself busy at the market while waiting for me at the Terminal and later together we feasted our eyes on all the food displays, cheeses from Murray's are one of the best. The blue-finned tuna steaks were looking so gorgeous at $20 per pound. I share the same passion with all the boys - good food and plenty of it. It felt really good to be with them.
By committing this time to my boys, it reminds me of how important and rewarding it is to invest time in my relationship to others, most important of all the family. To sauce or not to sauce, that is the question, for pizza that is. To encrust or embellish, not a choice when it comes to valuable family ties. What you see is what you get, I love you all. I'd be lost without my family.
