My first cousin, Connie (our mothers were sisters) phoned last night from Illinois. She and her brother, Tommy (Tasso), were, I thought, the only first cousins I had in this country. But, she said, living near her, is Eleni, daughter of my father’s sister, who emigrated to this country from Greece many years ago, but I never knew about her. She probably arrived after I left Chicago for New York.

Connie gave me her number and I called her right away. I introduced myself: I am Hareikleia, I said, daughter of Christina. She was bowled over and absolutely delighted. We had a long conversation and will stay in touch. We switched back and forth from English to Greek. If I talk to her a lot, I might reclaim some of the language.

I am thrilled to discover another close family member in this country. I have invited her to visit and told her Connie has not been willing to come because she is afraid to fly. But she said she will lean on Connie and perhaps the two of them will come, without, I guess, husbands, but that is okay because I only have one guest room.

What a lovely holiday present.

xx, Teal