A Week In My Mother's Hometown For A Very Special Occasion

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Four generations of my mother's family gathered in Soest this past week-end for my aunt Irene's birthday. She is the fourth from the left, first row.

Here is Irene in the middle, with Dieter, her brother on the left and my mother Ilse on the right.
Sadly, Dieter and my mother passed away more than 10 years ago.

This is my Tante Irene as a 20 year old

Dear Readers,
I am spending a few days in Soest, Germany, which is my mother's hometown.  Soest is located in Westfalia and is simply beautiful with narrow winding streets and beautifully restored timbered houses, some of which date back to the 15th century.
The occasion for this trip was my aunt Irene's 80th birthday.   My sister, father and I had decided to surprise her by flying in from the United States to be with her on this special day.  And a surprise it was.
This past Saturday, four generations of my mother's family gathered for the first time in years.
All of my cousins were in attendance and we decided to recreate a photo of us taken 45 years ago.
No matter how much time passes and how much distance separates us, it is amazing how many childhood memories flood back when we are all together.

I will be back in Brooklyn mid-week.  I have no doubt that there will be lots of neighborhood stories to write about, so please make sure to check in.
Bis bald, Katia

45 years ago with my cousins. That's me all the way on the right,  No, I did not have a mullet. Rather, my haircut was the unfortunate result of my sister trying to cur my bangs. 

That's probably why I look so sad.

Recreating the photo in 2016.  My, how we have aged.