April 17, 2017 TRADITION

Perfect weather for Easter. Daffodils,  hyacinths and tulips in full bloom. Kids ran around in search of the golden egg.  Pure joy. Easter is the only Sunday all year that I don't run. Very busy getting ready for our annual brunch--home fries, waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, fruit salad, corn bread, muffins, mimosas.....you get the drift. I really enjoy this annual tradition with family and friends. It's a great way  to reconnect after a LONG winter. After a delectable brunch, we always take a long walk on the beach. People were out in throngs yesterday--some even braving the 45 degree water temps--taking their annual plunge--a part of their Easter celebration.  Family traditions are important, I have to admit I never really had any when I was a kid--except baking with my grandmother.  Whether it's Easter brunch,  4th of July shenanigans, apple picking, baking christmas cookies or even jumping in the frigid ocean on New Year's Day--traditions are really important. They are what weave a family together--forming bonds that last forever. I hope my children grow up and continue the traditions we've forged together. Pure joy--it's really that simple. When I think of traditions, I can't help but think of this extraordinary book I read a few years back called Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.

In this beautifully written novel, the reader is transported to a village in Hunan, a province of Central South China in the 19th century through the narrator--80 year old Lily. Lily is  reflecting back on her life and the remorse she still feels over a misunderstanding with her "Loatong". When Lily was 7 years old, she was paired with her "Loatong" or "old same"-- another 7 years old girl named Snow Flower. This was  a match that lasted a lifetime and was a great honor.  The two communicated by writing to each other on fans using a secret language known as "Nushu". They were the best of friends, sharing their hopes, dreams, accomplishments, and after their marriages, loneliness, and the joy and sorrow of motherhood.  They also shared many ancient traditions including arranged marriages and the brutality of foot binding--until their feet were 7 centimeters long. This book is also inadvertently a history and cultural lesson on ancient China. It is both fascinating and deeply disturbing at times, especially,  when reading about how women were treated during that time period. Through it all, Lily and Snow Flower's friendship endures-- until a misunderstanding  forever changes their friendship and tears both of their worlds apart. This book is a keeper--sitting on my bookshelf--waiting to be read again. I really loved it that much. Find out what happens to their friendship and why Lily, an 80 year old woman, is still sad when you read this exceptional  book of about 260 pages. It's about a 5 mile run that has much to teach every one of us about friendship.