So, I get this phone call a few nights ago from this guy I’d never met before. He’s speaking in Spanish:
Him: Hello? Joshua?
Me: Yes?
Him: Do you know who this is?
Me: Uh, no.
Him: It’s Carl!
Me: …who?
Him: Carl. I’m Gloria’s cousin.
Me: OK… uh, who’s Gloria?
Him: What do you mean? You know Gloria!
Me: I know a few Glorias. Which one are you talking about?
Him: Your grandmother!
The Jewish accent should have given it away. Apparently, Carl and his wife (neither of whom had I ever met before) were visiting Barcelona from Israel and my Nana told them to give me a call. And I am so glad they did! Jan and I brought Emily out to dinner to meet Carl and his wife where, little did we know, Carl had also invited another family member who is living here in Barcelona: my fourth cousin Johana whom I had never met before either. Joha was born in Buenos Aires but has lived here for the past four years.
The truth is we only made it to the restaurant for dessert, but we still ended up spending about three fascinating hours listening to Carl’s stories of South America, family trees, secret synagogues, used cars, World War II, grandchildren, Polish love affairs, Franco, Jewish baths, and Venezuelan midgets – all with that methodically languid and wry story telling style that is so typical of the majority of the Jews I know from my grandmother’s generation. We had a delightful evening.
Carl is the brother of Kitty (and Gordon) and Rosie (and Roy) His Mom was Tanta Golda and Dad was Uncle Haschal, of whom I have such wornderful and happy memories. That family is filled with special people, not a bad one in the bunch. Carl and Melly’s wedding was the first wedding I ever attended. I am so glad that you have gotten the chance to meet them both, and not only have they met you, but Jan and Emily as well. Our family stretches all around the world, not just Borough Park, Brooklyn anymore.
Pictures, the world needs more Emily pictures. Love you,
Mom
All you had to say was that Carl was Kitty’s brother and I was immediately able to feel the awesomeness of your experience.
Not only are they siblings, but the family resemblance is unmistakable!
Kitty is awesome and I knew that Carl sounded familiar. That’s so cool. Fourth cousin? Wow…