Sweet Hearts

This weekend my daughter and I took a trip to Boston to meet one of my cousins, an aunt and an uncle after a span of almost 15 years. I was a bit anxious and apprehensive about the meet but the occasion was extra special to warrant the cross country trip. We were about to meet my 4 week old niece for the first time on her first month's birthday!  No ordinary treat would suffice for this occasion but the long trip did not allow for an elaborate cake.  Thus, I had to settle on some home made sugar cookies dressed pretty in fondant decor.  Shaped like hearts and stars to signify the new sweet heart in our lives and the fact that a star has been born, the treats were simple and elegant and I think a perfect touch for the occasion besides other tangible baby gifts.

Little did I know that my entire weekend's experience would bring forth a flood of warm memories, loads of yummy delights and the reiteration in my mind that after all said and done, family time is so important in life.  Every single member of the family made a conscious effort to make us feel right at home from the time we arrived till the time we left.  There were stories of past years shared, warm hugs, a few tears and some good laughs.  In a mere 48 hours time I had re-lived my entire childhood and revisited the entire journey of my own motherhood.  What was most amazing was how despite not having met any one before my daughter merged right in and by the end of it all she had earned a place in everyone's heart.  She has now nurtured a bond with family members whom she had never known to exist.  

I call this a necessary step in growing up; getting to know your roots and keeping in touch with distant family members.  In this day and age of technology, isolation seems to have become a norm.  We are lonelier than ever before despite the best efforts of creating virtual reality and a sense of community through online media and devices.  What we all need and perhaps crave for is that personal touch, that meaningful hug and the warmth and assurance that comes straight from the heart.