Family- a very broad meaning

October 19, 2025

I consider myself very rich in personal connections. I have my nuclear family which is small, then a bigger family circle, that has due to conflicts in the Balkans in the early 1990's, been dispersed across the globe. And then, the circle widens to include people that have enriched my life in so many ways. Deegan Family was my first extended family that practically adopted me and helped me learn about the American ways, taught me so much and with their generosity folded me into their unit of four. My friend Mandy was my next family member that helped indoctrinate the 17 year old into all ways of 1997 cool. Towards the end of college, I met Kevin who was my boyfriend for over a decade. His family became my family, and I was part of that very large unit for many years. We celebrated holidays, births of Kevin's sisters kiddos, all the cousins and nephews, and very large Southern Family gatherings. I loved every bit of it, and was so grateful that they generously added me to their clan.

Kevin and I ended our romantic relationship, but because we were kids when we got together, I wanted to ensure we could transcend what we originally had, and evolve to a meaningful friendship. Over the years that meant that we designed his engagement ring for his future wife to be, Alisa, together, using the ring that his grandma, whom I loved and spent time with, left him. I am an auntie to their fabulous little girl Maddie, and his wife, mom, sister and their dad acquire my work on continual basis. All this to say- our friendship is so deep and our family connection super strong to this day.

Fast forward to late August of 2025. I was sitting in Croatia, thinking how I haven't made anything custom in a bit, and that I wish something fun would come along. Few days later I'm in the plane taking off for JFK when, Kevin's dad, Kip, sends me a message: "Mia, it's a big birthday this year, we need to make something special"

Universe responds to the genuine asks, always!

I quickly started a group chat with Kevin, his wife and sister and the four of us had many exchanges about the ring. Alisa guiding a lot of design responses, Alona guiding dad on the other side so he is aware about the process. It was lightning fast, and beautiful. Technically challenging of course, but meaningful in so many ways. I created three rings in one day, prototyping ideas. They all unanimously selected the option C (including my mom and dad when I presented them the options) and we moved along to the next step.

Being that it was an 80th celebration, number "8" reminded me of the infinity symbol. Using a single ribbon, my signature, creating a piece in motion, forever intertwined. This speaks to, in so many ways, about what I just shared with you- connections and relationships. I know that this ring will be shared among all the women I know in this family, and they are part of my life, and this ring is a celebration of one milestone, but for me a celebration of love and respect I have for my very large family circle.