Staying in touch is hard.
I have friends from all over the country, most of whom I see rarely. But we keep in touch. Some every month or so. Others much less. And of course there's my Massachusetts friend with whom I speak almost daily, though in-person visits are rare.
Even with the best of intentions, maintaining a strong connection over many miles takes effort. And it's so easy for life to get in the way.
Alexander's Aunt Lisa has lived in LA since he was born. And she has never let geography be an impediment to their relationship.
Alexander's arrival in this world was not the traditional one. I was 41 and Eric was 29, the same age that Alexander is now. Lisa, Eric's younger sister by two years, probably learned she was going to be an aunt within a couple of days (either before or after) of her first nephew's birth.
And from the beginning, Lisa has been there for Alexander.
When he was a toddler...
For family events and random visits to NY...
And all the years in-between.
Lisa is the one Alexander chooses to call when he wants to discuss any problems that he doesn't want to discuss with me. They are very close.
Lisa is the one my son loves to visit and even plans visits to LA to see her.
Lisa is, by any standard, the very cool aunt.
Today, Lisa and her husband Mike are in town.
We meet for lunch, and then take an Uber to Jersey City to see this 80-foot structure called Water's Soul. (Lisa knows what's going on in NY long before I do).
The best part of the day is sitting outside, on a gorgeous April afternoon, and just talking.
Alexander is lucky to have Lisa in his life.
I am too.
