This weekend, Eric and I went up to Philadelphia, PA for the Bar Mitzvah of my cousin Miles. It was the first time seeing my family since coming back from deployment. I was anticipating this trip with such excitement that I lost sleep. And the end result didn't disappoint!
After a rough start to the drive in the form of a knocking engine/check engine light at the border of Virgina, having to turn around, go back home, get another car, and start the trip over again, (my reaction to this was less than stellar and I am shocked that Eric still wants to marry me) we were finally under way.
I found that I was unreasonably on edge for the first 24 hours. I am sure the faulty engine in my Audi didn't help, but I really believe the culprit was some weird just-getting-back-from-deployment thing that I can't quite put my finger on. I consciously worked on it and I managed to get almost back to myself. (Have I mentioned how amazing, patient and wonderful Eric is?)
The Bar Mitzvah itself was a wonderful, traditional Jewish ceremony at the temple (to the tune of 3 hours), and Miles, at the ripe old age of 13, was a true charmer to watch as he read from the Torah. He has a smile that could melt ice sculptures! You couldn't help but smile right along with him.
The party afterwards was in true Davidow Bar mitzvah style. Lots of food, entertainment, drinks, dancing, and HUGE family hugs! Seeing my cousins and my Aunt Pearl was just magnificent. Seeing my brother Chuck, however, was just fantastic. I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it was that took me on such a roller coaster emotionally, but it was a great ride.
The weekend was way too short to say the least and I found myself wishing we all had more time together to just sit and talk with no obligations or places to be. I have to make an effort to make that happen. Not just with Chuck, but with my cousins, sister, aunt, every one. Take a weekend that doesn't involve some grand family event and just make it about catching up.
My words can't do this weekend justice. So hopefully the pictures I am going to attempt to attach here will help give it some color!
