The “Z”s
No … I’m not referring to 💤💤s … as in sleep. Rather I’m remembering the gathering of dear relatives of mine, I’ll call them “Zs” … last Sunday in Doylestown, PA. The occasion? The Easter Sunday christening of the latest addition to our clan, four month old Ezra.“Z”s traveled from San Francisco, Charlotte NC, Atlanta and Philadelphia. Hundreds of miles. To attend this truly joyous event.
Your see. The “Zs” have been in my life for 74 years … all of them. On my Mom’s side. Special occasions. Every Christmas. A deb party or two. So many other casual get togethers. We resided on the Main Line of Philadelphia. Home of the “elite.” At least that’s how many living there felt/feel about themselves. Sorry, just a personal bias.The “Zs” somehow avoided this sense of self importance. Oh, my Mom was a high profile “Z” … among the most celebrated debutants of her time. She was a beauty. Statuesque. Loving. All the “Zs” were to me equally original. From my grandparents Henry Sr. (Pop) and Mary Belle (MeMa) to their kids, all their grandchildren, great grandchildren. And most recently! Our first great, great grandchild. This family has held together for a very, very long wonderful time. All genuine, very authentic.Sure. We’ve suffered tragedy. The death of my too young brother, alcoholism declared, maybe undeclared, even an affair or two? Divorces? Just a couple. Most of Mom’s generation are now gone. One beautiful, so regal member is still with us. My Aunt Sis. She traveled to Doylestown.
Her — th Birthday approaching. (Your welcome Aunt Sis.) A gift.I’ve been blessed to grow up with them all. My god father Uncle Bobby was a metallurgist … there were execs like Gil and Uncle Henry and sister Christine. Entrepreneurs like cousin in law Jeffrey, cousin Todd and Ezra’s proud Papa Todd. Insurance pros like cousin Chandi. My cousin Petey who at age —- (Your welcome too, Petey) still recruits key people for businesses in SF. On and on. It would take a full page to mention the others. But let me just say … all were and are varied, accomplished … so interesting.During a post christening brunch. We journeyed back to the memories … happy and not so much. One? As my cousin Cindy gazed at me, “I can see ‘Yad’ in you.” (Her dad, my Uncle Bobby) The resemblance. Other connections galore. Things we all had experienced in common. Things we “Zs” were so blessed too be able to recall … evoking such resonant emotions. Just a great day.
Lastly, the church Rector offered a short message during the christening service that captured this all for me. Ezra, his father and his beautiful young mother were in the front pew.
Then this …“As most of you know this church burned to the ground 20 years ago. I have a copy of the program (holding it high) printed for the service the week after the fire. There’s a quote on the front page from a little 8 yr. old girl. ‘The church didn’t burn down yesterday, only the building did.’That little 8 yr old girl … now 28 … sits over there in the front pew lovingly holding her infant son as we christen him this morning.
“Standing ovation! Welled eyes throughout. Wow! Cut it with a knife. One of those spontaneous, shared emotional experiences you’ll never forget. There were similar not as poignant exchanges … memories shared by the “Zs” this Sunday. I’ll remember them too.Thanks for a great weekend dear “Zs”!I am so grateful to have you all in my life.
A standing ovation for my loving Ziesing relatives … Please !!