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45 Hearts, One Summer: Lost Time, Found Home
A summer trip that gave us back more than just memories
A Family Reunion
After many years, our entire family finally got together for the holidays. My cousins and I grew up together, from babies to teens, but as we got older, life took us in different directions—studies, work, marriage, and responsibilities. It had been so long since we had all been in one place.
In the summer of 2022, once COVID was over, the world began breathing again—and so did we. It was the first time in years that we were all under the same sky.
From Temples to Waterfalls
When we were kids, family trips meant one thing: temples. Always temples. Our parents would pack food, book a bus or van, and take us from one temple to another. No parks, no stops for fun—just prayers and packed meals. We used to hate it!
But now that we were grown, we decided it was time to plan something different—a proper trip.
At first, only 12 of us were supposed to go. But by the end, the number had grown to 45—from babies to grandmas! Everyone was excited. We packed our swimsuits, balls, playing cards, and Bluetooth speakers, and our parents took care of the food. They even packed a portable stove to…
