Saturday, December 31, 2005

Journal: 12/29/05

Today we had the annual Salsich brothers’ lunch, this time at LoRusso’s, an elegant restaurant on the Italian “Hill”. It may have been our finest lunch ever. We were happy to be joined by young Joe, fresh out of Wake Forest and eager to join the “old guys” for a few hours of spirited, and sometimes raucous, conversation. We spent the time reliving old family memories, but also talking about our own personal highlights of the just-ending year. We were greeted by owner Rich LoRusso and his brother Vince, and a touching part of the lunch occurred when Alberta LoRusso, Joe Sr.’s wife and a very dear friend of my mom and dad’s, came out to greet us. I thought I saw a tear in her eyes (and a few of ours) as we talked of the strong bond between our families.

* * * * *

Tonight was the annual family Christmas party, a thoroughly loving and satisfying musical event. About 60 of us enjoyed a delicious dinner, gracious conversation, and music that bordered on the professional and spectacular. Neil belted out a bluesy James Taylor favorite, Julia crooned “O Holy Night” in a blessed way, Lizzie wowed us all, and Don, Mike, Maysie, Pete III, Erin, Gracie, Heather, Chris, and many others sang the night away. I cried some inward tears throughout the evening, feeling so fortunate to be part of this family.

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