Most families are able to go visit their relatives and spend time with them whenever they please. For my family however, that is not the case. The majority of my family on both my mother and father’s side either live in New Jersey or Canada. Regardless of this circumstance, I’ll still cherish our quality time together and the lasting memories along with it.
The anticipation while packing and driving almost 20 hours to New Jersey is something that I don’t get to experience often. My family and I go to New Jersey annually, twice a year if we are lucky. So being able to run into my grandparents arms each time is such a special moment to me. When we get up north, I visit a variety of family and friends from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and even some cousins.
Each time we visit, it is almost like my mind goes into a whole new world. From all the greenery to the warm beaches, many aspects of New Jersey are so different from Florida. Afterall, my grandpa, John Wieczezak, can confirm “you get all [the] four seasons combined [in one state]. You get snow, rain, wind, [changing of the leaves,] and a lot of sun.”
Spending all my summers in New Jersey has always allowed me to keep a close bond with my family. When we go, it is roughly a two to almost four week stay, so I am able to explore many places and catch up with one another.
My nana, Doris Wieczezak, excitedly notes that “it is just absolutely wonderful [seeing my grandchildren,] I couldn’t be more proud [of them and watching them] grow. [I love hearing all the] new things that they have [gotten into and have been able to do].”
By far, one of my favorite memories to add onto during the summer is when we visit my grandparents beach house in Long Beach Island (LBI). Getting onto the island and seeing people walk to the beach, blast music, bike, and so much more just brings me so much happiness.
In addition to riding the waves at the beach, New Jersey cuisine is a pleasure to enjoy. Especially since my uncle Thomas Patierno is a chef, he loves to make and bring us all different kinds of food I would have never thought to try.
A recent tradition my family and I love to do at LBI is stop at a burger joint called Burger 25 for not only their tasty meals, but also their monthly milkshakes. Doing stuff like this brings out so much laughter and smiles within my family so it is something I constantly look forward to. Lastly, it is not a true New Jersey summer if my aunt Lori Patierno and I are not running down to the bay to catch a LBI sunset.
When it comes to Christmas time, my family and I are fortunate to go to New Jersey every other year. Since the holidays hold a special place in my heart, spending it at my second home is such an amazing luxury to me.
Decorating the Christmas tree, seeing snow, and continuing our family traditions is by far the best part of the season. “We just love having [our grandchildren around during the holidays] because [they] just make [our] house a home,” Mrs. Wieczezak explains.
Having the privilege to visit New Jersey and the people I love most is something I will never take for granted. I will continue to follow and honor Mr. Wieczezak’s words: “Keep coming [because] we love to see [our grandchildren] that is all. We have a lot of fun together.”
