Mazel Tov!

 [Winston-Salem, NC]

When the Franco family invited me to celebrate their son's coming-of-age, I couldn't have been more pleased.  Growing up in a small beach community, Bar Mitzvahs were few and far between and  I was certain this one would be one to remember.  

The Francos are a vibrant west coast family of educators.  With the exception of one doctor and a rogue chemist, I quickly learned to ask what do you teach instead of what do you do.

 the nature of education is a little less focus on self, a little more on those around us... simple.  lovely.

The air was thick with laugher and squeals of delight-- youngsters fully committed to the expense of energy and the detriment of anything clean... while their parents, seasoned friends, laughed joyfully in the backyard over woodfired pizza and craft beer.  Towards the end of the evening the father gave a warm toast followed by the traditional raising of the chair.  The minute the moment ended, the playful chaos continued.  A perfect, natural balance. Tradition and entropy.  Vibrance and tranquility.