What an amazing time today...to catch up with family members I haven't seen in 10 years and others I've never even met was an amazing feeling. My dad and I were the first to walk into the restaurant in Brooklyn, and immediately ordered a drink (after a few on the ride in) to calm the nerves. I was anticipating a "typical awkward family reunion," one where I'd sit and clock-watch until it was finally time to go, thinking that I wouldn't have much to say to these people after they all became familiar with my age and accomplishments thus far. I'm so ecstatic to say that my expectations could not have been more false, and the reality of the sweet but short day was so much better than anything I had imagined since my RSVP. Once Kuras' started pouring in, I couldn't help but hug and kiss every adorable blonde haired and vertically challenged woman that walked in and shake the hand of every red-faced Polish Hawaiian-shirt wearing man. Out of approximately 30 family members that attended I vividly remembered about 6 of them, but that didn't matter. My polish grandpa who sadly passed away when I was very young was the middle child of 11 siblings, so I spent most of the 3 too-short hours trying to remember which cousin belonged to which of my grandfather's brothers and sisters. You've heard of culture shock; I was Kuras shocked. I can't explain the feeling in words, but I'll attempt to get close. I've spent many drunken fun-filled summers with my mom's cousins and I love them all, but I've never been able to feel a connection like I felt today with the Kuras family. I'm close with my mom's side and sadly don't see my dad's as often, but today I stood dumbfounded staring at this room full of people; I'm proud to say I've never been so comfortable around people I haven't met before. My mom's cousins share experiences and stories and keep in touch often, but what the Kuras family shares can't be compared to any other group of people I've ever met. They all look like me. They all look like my dad. They all have the same complexion, same wit, same charm, same habit to order drink after drink and break the ice immediately. I used to be shy and admit that I still carry that around from time to time with people I've never met, but today that issue was out the window. Someone up there - whether it be Papoo, Aunt Helen, Aunt Cookie, Cousin Pat....or any of the other awesome aunts and uncles - got us all here today, and I couldn't be happier. At events like this I'm usually waiting for the end, admitting that I had a "nice time" but glad to get back home into my normal routine. I did not want today to end. I got to see my aunt and cousin I haven't seen in over 10 years. I shared laughs and drinks with a new "aunt" (dad's cousin) that has been right in Rockefeller Center, one of my main winter-time watering holes, for years, and I won't go back without giving her a call and sharing a drink or two or three. I was able to exchange phone numbers and emails and gain Facebook and Instagram friends, and I know now that these reunions need to happen more often. It's so sad that with each generation a few little pieces of my family are lost, but I know I'll carry this name forever. We'll share these bonds forever. Even if this is the last and only Kuras family reunion I've been a part of, it was a damn good one in my book.
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