Letter to the previous generation

All those before us would have been proud. As a family, we've always been close. And not just sister, brother, mother close. Our branches spread quite far. First cousins, second cousins, cousins we can't even figure out what number they are, they're all family, and they're all held close to our hearts. This past weekend, we did what any extended Greek family does, traveled over 2000 miles, almost across country to see our cousin get married. It's just what we do.

Like I said, we're a close family.

Our parents would have done it. There was the time we all drove to DC to bless another cousin's union. Last minute. Our Uncle called and told us he was going to DC to see his daughter get married. The only question our parents asked was, where and when. Five people in new york squeezed into a car, way too small for five. My husband and I took off from down here, next thing you know we're all at dinner going scotch for scotch with our Uncle, the father of the bride.

My wedding weekend took place during the blizzard of '77. No one traveled that weekend, except of course my crazy Greek family. Miss a wedding? Not us! The hotel didn't have any heat and every one froze for the fist night. But we were all together, and that's all that matters.

We're family. And being around for each other is what we do. And this weekend we were there for our cousin. And almost every generation was represented. I know our parents were up there toasting Michal and his bride. And they were looking down on all of us beaming with pride. My uncle Teddy was smiling down on his grandson, and so happy we all were there for him. Uncle Tommy was thrilled to see the party spirit in all of us. My mother was beaming at the camaraderie of her daughters and granddaughters. My grandmother loved the idea of her legacy, and our commitment to each other. I think she was especially touched by our connecting with Keith, one of the few Mantis' left.

They say spirits appear in photographs as flairs of light. Also called orbs. I have a few pictures from the weekend that tell me they were all there. As they would have been if they had gotten the call. " A wedding... where? When?" And off they would would have went.

Some things never change.


The next generation of crazy party goers.


Evelyn, Jerry, Keith and Chrise. If you look in the upper corner, you'll see the orbs.
No doubt, they were there!


The bride and Groom