They are in five cities – Cairo, Egypt; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York; Oxford, England.
They span three continents – North America, Africa, Europe.
They live in five time zones – EST, GMT, CST, PST, and Egypt time (which can’t really be described through an acronym)
“They” are my five children.
And it’s not nearly as glamorous as it may sound because I would like to have them all over for Sunday dinner. I can’t help but think it is sweet justice for my mom…. I now know how she felt with kids and grand kids in Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt and the United States.
Annie sits in the heart of Tahrir Square where history was made and continues to be the epicenter of events in Egypt.
Joel makes his home in Chicago, arguably the best city to eat in world-wide. Lake Michigan, the Sears Tower, and Navy Pier are all world-class tourist attractions.
Micah and Lauren navigate the cut throat world of Los Angeles, home to Oscars and egos.
Stefanie, in an apartment overlooking Herald Square, lives life in New York City and can attest to the fact that it’s the city that never, ever, ever, sleeps!
Jonathan is in the hallowed halls and ivy-laden buildings of Oxford, England, where minds meet and mingle over high tea and classic literature.
At one time I worried that they wouldn’t have the confidence to travel alone. At one time I wondered aloud if they would have a desire to explore their world. At one time I thought that it would be impossible to raise global kids in a small town.
But now as I sit in Boston with their dad, I wonder when we’ll all be together again!
But for now we’ll text, and Skype, email and phone, praying all the while that bonds will tighten despite the miles and eagerly await opportunities to celebrate future gatherings.
Marilyn R. Gardner 