Today we shall meet my mother-in-law and our other relatives in Chinatown.

There will be appointments with the doctor and optometrist along with shopping, visiting and the inevitable bakery visit. I think it will be good for her to get some fresh air and to have a change of scenery.

While we await the arrival of the family my husband, daughter, cousin and I walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

It is absolutely lovely but during this, I must keep taking medicine and drinking herbal remedies in hopes of feeling better quickly. My throat hurts and I am tired but I do not complain. This time is not about me. I can work my way through this cold that is wanting to settle in.

The weather is overcast and the sky wants to rain down. The streets of Chinatown are busy, as always, regardless of the weather.

We accomplished everything that we set out to and even a bit more than that. As I sit with my mother-in-law in a Chinatown Bakery we have a lovely conversation. I know many do not understand how this is possible when her primary language is Chinese and mine is English. It is because we each know some of the languages of the other and we each care to make the effort. We also have a common bond in the love of our family.

While sitting in the bakery many different friends and relatives arrive.

I laugh as I realize that my mother-in-law has taken up residence and is holding court at the bakery.

It is wonderful to see her pleasure in knowing that all of these people care so much.

As we realize that the day has disappeared into the night we go out to our final family dinner before the rest of us must say goodbye.

My husband’s sister and one of his brothers have already departed. Aunts, Uncles, and cousins will be leaving, as well. Tomorrow we shall also depart.

I worry that my mother-in-law has been surrounded by so many and now she will have so few.