Dear Belonging

My childhood - way back when, seemed typical. I grew up on a cul-de-sac with lots of other kids around. Because I had a family of four, various kids were friendlier with others, because of our ages. And we all knew each other. We all knew each others’ dinner times. We just went outside and played in the evenings, or weekends. My family, which seemed small compared to my best friend’s, in hindsight was strong. Grandparent’s siblings still alive were around. Cousins, and friends, grandparent, synagogue people and their kids. Holiday dinners, which were imperative had me steeped in tradition, even if I didn’t love them so much. I think the experience bonded me with my siblings. My parents were together until I was 11 and I think that deep sense of belonging has served me well ~even if I haven’t appreciated it much until now.