Easter Weekend reminds me a bit of a Weight Watchers meeting. It’s a way to weigh-in on our “renewel.” This year I was blessed to spend the holiday with my family.

 
On Saturday, I, along with my parents, brother, and nephew, explored a part of the city devastated by Superstorm Sandy – New York’s financial district – Wall Street. In 2012, my brother’s downtown law firm offices, suffered dramatic infrastructural blows from the storm; however, they recently moved to 50 Wall Street. After we all helped him unpack his file boxes and settle in, we walked around and soaked in the area’s new vibrancy.

 
From Stone Street, to the Canyon of Heroes, to Trinity Church, I very much related to the area’s transformation. I was inspired by the waves of tourists from all over the world eager to connect with the city landmark. And having our tour lead by my brother was especially wonderful. He has also risen like a phoenix from the ashes and blossomed into a very successful attorney, investor, and father.

 

We devoured the most delicious pretzels ever at Bavaria Bierhaus. They were huge and fresh, and the mustard and beer cheese dipping sauces were addictive.

 

Serendipitously, we even ran into a West Point cadet. My father assisted her in finding an elevator, leading to the subway for her father, who was in a wheelchair. I took this a sign for my 14-year-old nephew whose dream is to study at the United State Military Academy. I believe life whispers to us with signs.

Sunday, was full of delicious food. My family and I began the day at church and then returned to celebrate a Resurrection Brunch in the company of my cousin and his friend. We gathered around an assortment of fresh fruit, bagels, cream cheese and lox spread, fresh salmon, edamame hummus, apple cider, and of course café con leche. We even had a crispy Chinese barbecue pork pastry – this was a present from a new, very kind friend.

The seven of us then all packed into our two cars and went to visit my grandmother at her nursing home. I’ve realized through my grandparents that one must take hold of every opportunity to connect with our loved ones – especially those who are in their last chapters of life. It was a gift to have my whole family there all at once with her. I was truly aware of my greatest blessing — my family.

 
Tears came to my eyes as I saw my mother’s eyes well up with appreciation, savoring the moment. Even through her challenges as my grandmother’s caretaker, my mother always expresses deep gratitude for this period in her life. She recognizes this period as one of her greatest blessings.

 
As usual, I had to add my own je ne sais quoi. So during a party for the residents, per the request of the keyboard performance artist, I performed my own interpretive dance entitled, The Electric Slide.

 

Easter Weekend – the process of preparing for this period shines a light on how far we have come individually and collectively, leading to an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Check-ins, steps and markers of transformation and renewal – reasons to say thank you.

 
For dinner, we had my mother’s amazing Paella. I’ll share the recipe with you this week.

 
Buen provecho!

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