Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/819093
it's always something. If you've ever planned a family reunion, you know how difficult it is logistically. With family members scattered across the country, schedules need to be coordinated months in advance, vacation time blocked off, flights booked, and dinner reservations made. Every year, our family gets together for such a reunion in Naples, Florida, and it's up to me to organize and implement it. I thought I was in pretty good shape this year when I picked up my husband at the airport and we sat down for a nice dinner to make last minute adjustments to the schedule. Late that evening, he was awakened by intense abdominal pain and, after hours in the emergency room, underwent an appendectomy the next afternoon … just when everyone was due to arrive. As unfortunate as the situation was, especially for my husband, there was a silver lining: our family was together. No one missed a beat. Our daughter stepped in as hostess while I was at the hospital, and our son took on the role of comedian, keeping the atmosphere upbeat and cheerful. Over the course of the next three days, everyone took turns visiting the patient in the hospital, providing much needed love, comfort, and support. I'm sure that most of you will agree that nothing is more important than the support of a loving family. In this issue, I was reminded of this when reading about Colin Lualdi, the subject of our face-to-face interview. When Colin was born, his parents instinctively knew that something wasn't right. After audiological testing determined that he was completely deaf, Colin's parents did not hesitate and forged ahead to find the best resources to help their son navigate and excel in both the hearing and deaf worlds. The story of this remarkable, accomplished, and humble young man is inspirational, and the appreciation he has for the love and support of his parents, brother, and friends is evident throughout the article. You'll also read about two families who are adapting to situations they probably didn't anticipate when they decided to have children. In "Transitions," you'll meet John and Alex, bright and energetic children who are transgender boys. Both boys have incredible families whose love, acceptance, and support is overwhelming as they embrace their children during their social transition and quest to live their true selves. Each family has a different story to tell and both are heartwarming and encouraging. There is also an abundance of useful information in the article that is important for all of us to know. I hope your summer is filled with fun and the love and support of family and friends. J I L L N I L S E N jill @ wellesleywestonmagazine.com C A R O L Y N R O S S editor's letter 16 W e l l e s l e y W e s t o n M a g a z i n e | s u m m e r 2 0 1 7