As we have done each year since about 1985, Anne and I hosted our New Years Eve celebration at Lawry's The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. It has always been a joyous occasion, shared by family and sometimes friends, but this year was different in one respect:
Our eldest son Kyle, our daughter in law Diane, and our 12 year old grandson Keoni were instead in Ukraine picking up our newest family member, grandson Ikaika, born December 18. Until now, Kyle had been present for each dinner.
But nine other wonderful people joined us: Our youngest son Clayton, our daughter in law Maria, and our grandchildren Cameron, age 7 and Carina, age 4 and Uncle Gene and Aunt Eleanor, their daughter Terri, my sister Lorrie and Anne's mother Mary.
It was such a warm and friendly gathering and what most stands out in my memory was watching Carina gleefully devour her dessert, a bowl of vanilla ice cream smothered in chocolate sauce.
Nearly 12 years ago when I became a vegetarian, Kyle convinced us to continue this New Years Eve tradition, as Lawry's serves me beautifully prepared, any vegetarian dish I bring them.
I'm thankful we have continued this tradition for all the joy it brings, and I'm hopeful that next year, not only will Kyle and his family rejoin us, but that our middle son Kevin, our daughter in law Melody and their children Brody, age 7 and Gannon, age 5 will do so as well.
Dick
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