The warm gentle breeze of a Charleston evening in Cecile’s sister Sherry's backyard as Brian worked the hot grill with practiced ease. He flipped the slices of yellow and green zucchini, their edges caramelizing to perfection, while the broccoli sizzled in a heated pan. The piece de resistance—seared Ahi tuna—glistened under the fading sun, its outer layer crisp while the center remained a perfect ruby red on some, and a little more cooked portions for others.
Sherry, ever the gracious host, had spent the afternoon kneading and braiding a golden challah, now resting on a crystal plate, then covered with a Star of David cloth. A hush fell over the gathering as she lit the Shabbat candles before the sun dipped below the horizon, the soft glow reflecting in everyone's eyes. We recited the blessing over the challah together, our voices blending in reverence and harmony.
Our friends, Nelson and Susan Bye who will be setting sail on a riverboat cruise with us to Amelia Island, Florida, had never met Brian or Sherry before, yet within minutes, the warmth of the table made it feel as though we had all been gathering like this for years. The bottle of wine that Nelson and Susan brought was uncorked and we raised our glasses in gratitude for good food, for good company, and for the journey ahead.
Brian, who had spent years as cook in kitchens from Lake Tahoe to Vietnam, plated the grilled vegetables alongside the seared tuna. The first bite was met with nods of appreciation, a quiet acknowledgment of his skill. As the evening lingered, Brian brought out a simple yet refreshing dessert, chunks of juicy watermelon and fragrant summer melons, their sweetness a perfect end to the meal.
Laughter, Brian regaling us with stories, and the clinking of glasses carried into the night. In that moment, the coming voyage and our separate paths ahead felt secondary. Here, in the embrace of candlelight and tradition, we were exactly where we were meant to be.
