My brothers and I spent the past year or so writing essays recalling our childhood and the impact it had on us as we grew into adulthood. The initial purpose was at first to document for our children what it was like to grow up in a Syrian immigrant family. The exercise evolved into a journey of self-discovery—bittersweet memories of our youth and a longing for understanding. We have not yet decided on whether or not to publish the essays beyond the immediate circle of our family. Time and our very patient editor (thank you beyond measure to Kim Dana Kupperman Saydjari) will help tell that tale. Here then is a brief excerpt from one of the essays “The Kitchen Table” which can be found on the Essays page of our website. Cue the fade into a memory sequence.