Linda L. Behmoiras
While we await cooler weather, many of us are enjoying the last few weeks before the kids go back to school. That’s one of the best things about summer – being able to spend time with our loved ones.
I am not looking forward to my two kids going back to school. To be honest, last year was a tough one for me. It was my first school year in an empty nest because my younger son left for college. It’s now the anniversary of my home growing quiet and sad.
August 2018 was the first time in two decades that our home was not filled with a child’s laughter. I went from being supervisor of my sons’ lives to spectator. For a control freak like me, that’s not an easy task. I threw myself into my work, charities, extended family and friends. I avoided being home as much as possible.
Eventually, we fell into a rhythm, and I began circling dates on my calendar – when the boys were coming home and when we were going to see them. Luckily, my relationship with my sons is a strong one, and we communicate daily. My husband spent the first few months saying I looked pale – until one of them called and the color would return to my face.
There’s no one in this world more important to me than my parents, sister, husband and sons. Since they were babies, I’ve told my children that they’re the only people who know what my heart sounds like from the inside. But it reassures me to know I’ve given them the greatest gifts: life; liberty; education; and, most of all, wings.
So, this month, I celebrate my family, my children and my empty nest anniversary. But, most of all, I celebrate my growth and survival as well as an unexpected surprise: a new and improved version of couplehood with my hubby now that our nest contains only the two of us. A year ago, I didn’t think there was enough tequila to get me through this transition. But, hey, I made it a full year in one piece.
On that note, we enjoyed creating this month’s Family Issue, which is packed with feel-good reads, inspiring stories and a report on our county school system.
We begin with Miami mother, entrepreneur and model Karolina Kurkova, co-founder of a South Florida-based line of family wellness products. In “Natural Woman” (page 54), learn about her approach to wellness and her secrets to balancing career and family.
You won’t want to miss “Finding Family” (page 60), about people with South Florida roots who used DNA testing to find long-lost – or even unknown – relatives. Their revelations included startling paternity results, hidden half-siblings and unexpected genetic lineages.
Next, check out “The Good Husband” (page 66), about actor and doctor Ken Jeong, whose world was rocked when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jeong, whom you might recognize from “The Hangover” and “Community,” will discuss his family’s experience with cancer at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation’s Sweet Sixteen – the 16th Annual Go Pink Luncheon on Oct. 18 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, which we are thrilled to sponsor again. Hope to see you there.
Our Family Issue wouldn’t be complete without a look at where it all begins – a walk down the aisle. In “An Affair To Remember” (page 70), you’ll discover how couples are saying “I do” to the latest wedding trends today.
Before the kids head back to class, be sure to peruse “Making The Grade?” (page 78), our in-depth look at the county school system.
As the last vestiges of summer fade away – and we enjoy the calm before the storm that is season – I plan to spend every free moment with my family. We’ll be making memories and cherishing every minute of it. I wish the same for you.
Best,
Linda L. Behmoiras
linda@bocaratonobserver.com