“…It helped set the mood for an honest, raw conversation where it didn't have to feel like the whole world was falling apart…

"One Sunday per month, my dad would wake me up early and we would go on Donut Patrol…

“I have always loved baking, bread, and sharing with people, so I decided to have a little carb fueled mid-life crisis and commit to baking a loaf of bread each week with the intention of gifting it to an unsuspecting person in my life…

“Plants seem important in the connections among my husband's family. His stepdad plants a tree each time one of his grandkids is born…

"Back in the day, whenever I went to a baby shower I would arrive with envelopes filled with empty, beautiful cards…

"My parents have taught us to celebrate big things in a big ways, and the biggest celebration my siblings probably ever pulled off was for my Mother's 60th birthday…

"I have a monthly cookbook club with my group of friends where we choose a cookbook, all make a recipe or two, and come together to feast…

"...because of this little ritual, the kids have a real sense of where they come from.

"My best friend, Liz is an only child and only has one cousin who lives far away. She was very close to her mother…