Growing up as an only girl had lots of perks. Having my own room was a nice one...but my favorite perk was being the first one home in the afternoon, when my brothers were still in yeshivah. It was nice quality time that I got to spend alone with my mother, enjoying the hot supper that had been simmering on the stove top.
During that time, one of my favorite suppers was spaghetti and meatballs. One time, my mother made a different version for a simchah, but I didn’t want any change; I wanted the regular delicious meatballs I had always enjoyed, with my mother sitting at the table asking me about my day.