The author Anthony Brandt once wrote, “Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.” The older I get, the more I appreciate how true those words are. Our families are the ones who first teach us life’s most important lessons, who encourage us to chase our dreams and who remind us there’s always someone cheering us on.
That enduring influence is woven throughout this month’s Family Issue. Our cover story, “Come As You Are” (page 62), features the ever-inspiring Valerie Bertinelli. Like so many people, I grew up watching her on “One Day at a Time,” and it has been a joy to see her continue to reinvent herself through the years. By sharing family recipes, writing with remarkable honesty and connecting with audiences through her new podcast, “Getting Naked,” Bertinelli reminds us that every stage of life offers an opportunity to grow, embrace change and stay true to ourselves.
Our exploration of family continues in “The Sibling Effect” (page 68), which examines how brothers and sisters influence everything from our personalities to the way we navigate relationships. Whether they’re our first best friends or fiercest competitors, siblings often leave an imprint that lasts a lifetime.
Some of our fondest memories are made while exploring the world with our families. I was reminded of that just recently, during a wonderful trip with my husband and close friends to Italy, where every meal, stroll through a piazza and unexpected discovery became a moment we’ll treasure for years to come. “The World In One City” (page 74) invites readers to discover Toronto, a destination whose museums, markets, waterfront adventures and extraordinary cuisine make for an unforgettable getaway.
For many families, the very definition of “home” is changing. In “Under One Roof” (page 80), we explore the growing trend of multigenerational living and why more families are embracing the rewards — and realities — of sharing a home across generations. The arrangement may look different from one household to the next, but the foundations remain the same: connection, support and love.
This issue is all about cherishing and celebrating family — whether large or small, traditional or beautifully unconventional — and how it shapes the people we become.
Here’s to making memories with those who matter most — the family you were born into or the one you chose.
Best,
Linda L. Behmoiras
linda@bocaratonobserver.com