Some of you have asked why we moved to Chicago after what seemed like a picture perfect life in Cleveland. I mentioned months ago that I'd prefer to keep our situation private for the sake of our children. What our children know now is the short story version of a year long family drama. One I am comfortable sharing with you in a summary. After twelve years of my husband working alongside his awesome mother (the front office manager) and father (the owner/dentist), his mother passed away and we knew that his father would re-marry as soon as possible. And he did! Mavel Tov! It was imperative for our young family to secure something legally on paper before that happened because my husband had only word of mouth agreements. Needless to say no negotiations were offered and we were on our own. It was an emotional year to say the least. More so and more importantly, we researched staying in our beloved Cleveland and starting a new dental practice, moving abroad to somewhere exotic or re-locating to Chicago where I had family and quickly realized that if we were given a second chance in life we would do it closer to a close-knit support system - something that was greatly missing in our lives.

That was a mouthful and something I've kept inside for some time.

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On the flipside, my children are really beginning to understand the importance of family and even schooled me this week, when we were taking care of nearly 90 year-old Apolonia while my parents were vacationing.  Remember Apolonia? She was the one that shopped for stilettos at age 86 and said "Now that I have so many choices, my feet don't agree." Bless her. My mother and her sister forced her on a plane to America, rescuing her from a life in a Polish retirement center because they couldn't imagine their aging mother being alone.

I took care of Apolonia this week and it was... eye opening.

Apolonia: I am all alone.

Me: What do you mean?

Apolonia: I had four children and they all left me.

Me: But. You live with your daughter and your other daughter.

Apolonia: But I am all alone.

Me: You have seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three daughters and son-in-laws.

Apolonia: But I live alone.

Me: Look! Those are your great-grandchildren stealing your bon-bons.

Apolonia: I am not alone!?

Me: No. You are not alone. You are around family. You live with family. We are family.

Apolonia: Can I have a chocolate too?

Apolonia might not know which way is up or down; but, my kiddos were pretty adamant about bringing her bon-bons (everyday) and her favorite American dinner of pizza just to make her happy. The kiddos quickly realized that I lied to her and ever since then, I've been a wreck. I skipped a Sunday (she must go to church on all Sundays) and told her it was a Monday.

Kiddos: How can you lie to family?

Me: WE were so busy.

Kiddos: Too busy for family?!?!

Me: Good, God.

Kiddos: Yup. Thought so.

Me: Apolonia is clueless!

Kiddos: But we aren't!

I was busted by my children; but at the same time, never more proud of them. We made a good move coming here - these little lessons we learn are timeless and oh so very important. I hope I'm surrounded by adoring family like Apolonia is at age 90. What a good good life.