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Family first

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“OK, I think I am going to run to the grocery store and…” my phone started buzzing from my back pocket, ARMANDA in bright white letters showed up on the caller ID.  “It’s your grandmother!” I said with a huge smile. I sit down next to Robert and put my phone on speaker so we both can hear.

“Yael and Robert, I need a favor” She said in her thick Israeli accent with no time for greetings, “I have a new cell phone and I need your help. You are my new tech support. I am your favorite client!” She explained. Within 30 minutes, we were on our way to Armanda’s apartment in Center City, leaving the groceries and all of our other errands behind. Armanda came first and that was just a fact of life.

As the doorman ushered us in, I took a look at the beautiful lobby and was reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to be considered a part of this family. Armanda is one of the strongest women I know and her sense of style puts everyone else to shame. From the day I met Robert, I knew his grandmother was a fiery woman who he admires dearly. Now, almost four years later, she is someone I not only admire, but aspire to be like. Nothing stops her. No matter what life throws her way she holds her head up high and keeps moving forward.

Looking perfect and sophisticated in every way, Armanda answered the door with a huge, loving smile. I immediately felt grateful and honored all in one. Honored that she picked up her phone to call me. Honored to be hugged and kissed when I walked into the door. Honored to be the one she thinks is good enough for her eldest grandson.

Before I knew it, we were sitting amongst the beautiful Israeli art side by side as I showed her how to use her new Samsung. I admit. I was impressed. For someone who isn’t great with my own phone, watching Armanda try her best to understand technology was incredible. In a world that is totally different than the one she grew up in, she doesn’t let the unknowns hold her back.  I actually think Armanda understands how to use emojis better than I do! She is a constant reminder that no matter what, your inner strength can push you forward. She is a constant reminder that age is just a number. She is a constant reminder that you can always learn, grow and become a better version of yourself.

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  Full Disclaimer: The photo above is missing 3 nephews and 2 nieces. I will be capturing photos of them all when Robert and I visit Israel in May!

 

“It’s 5:15am. It will be raining and a high of 31 degrees in Philadelphia today.” I quickly snatch my phone off the bedside table and press dismiss on the alarm. As my eyes start to focus, I notice I have two new messages in my WhatsApp group labeled “Pachino Family.” I click it and see a smiling faced baby girl wrapped in a warm, cuddly looking blanket. My heart melts and sighs at the same time. Chaviva, is the latest addition to the Pachino clan. I haven’t met her yet. She, and the rest of my nine incredible nieces and nephews live 6000 miles away in the beautiful country of Israel. As I turn on the hot water to start my shower, I stare back at Chaviva and I ask myself Why am I living in America?

This is a question I ask myself every day, and it’s not because I don’t love my life. I seriously LOVE my life. I am totally obsessed with the great city of Philadelphia and all it offers. I have established an amazing community that feels more like family. Don’t even get me started on how awesome my clients are. And above all, Robert is here. Yet, with each and every passing day, my heart breaks a little more.

They are there and I am here. It is as simple as that. They are there and I am here. They are having birthdays that I can’t blow up balloons for. They are starring in school plays that I cannot clap loudly at and they are having dance parties that I cannot dress up for. They are celebrating holidays, passing milestones with flying colors, learning, playing and living their life there, in Israel. And I am here, in Philadelphia. How can I live like this?

There is nothing like the love you feel as an Aunt. When Shira, the oldest of the nine, was born, I was head over heels in love. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Hard and fast. There she was, all tiny and cute. As the seventeen year old high school senior, I was terrified of holding her. I had the immense fear that I was going to drop her, break her or even just make her cry. With one look, Shira stole my heart and I have never been the same.

With each child born, my heart grows bigger and bigger. I don’t think words can really explain the joy and happiness these nine humans and their cute little faces bring me. Watching them find the magic in the world is irreplaceable. Seeing the bits and pieces of my sisters that appear in these children is remarkable . Hearing them call me “Aunt Yael” is music to my ears and I miss them more and more every day.

I am lucky that we are living in such a globalized world. With just the click of a button, I can see them, hear them and be a digital presence in their life. I get daily updates, weekly pictures and I know my sisters and brother-in-laws are doing everything they can to make me feel like 6000 miles is really not that far. I know that I belong in Philadelphia and they belong in Israel. I know that they will never forget me and I will always be there in spirit. I know that I deserve to go after my dreams and they deserve to live out theirs. I know that our bond is stronger than long distance and time zones. I know that no one will replace me and I will be the proudest aunt no matter how far away I am.

So, as I take one more look at Chaviva’s photo before I head out into the rain and off to my first meeting of the day, I sigh. I am happy here. I can’t move to Israel. That just has to be good enough. For now, I get to count down the days til Robert and I go to see them in May. For now, I get to show off all the smiling photos I get via WhatsApp and for now, I get to laugh at every email that my older nieces send me. I live in Philadelphia, they live in Israel and waking up to pictures of a happy, cuddly Chaviva isn’t too shabby.

 

Work With Yael

My mission is to not only craft images, but really celebrate the unique spirit of Jewish love. I'm here to honor our culture, capture the magic of your love, create family heirlooms for your future and do it all with a whole lot of heart and soul.