family

As we turn our thoughts to the new year, my gaze also turns toward the past. I met my Russian relatives for the first time when I accompanied my father to Moscow in 1962. During this visit, my uncle Anatole gave me a row of plastic elephants symbolizing family unity. I was touched and have kept this Russian heirloom, shown here, for 58 years. That blood is thicker than water holds true, despite language, political and cultural differences.