Yesterday, while driving home from my office in Jersey, I spent nearly an hour on the phone with my long-lost cousin Geraldine. Somehow, it felt like only a few minutes.
We talked, laughed, and shared old family stories—the kind of memories that can instantly transport you to another time and place. I was so grateful to relive those moments with her and reconnect with a part of my life that remains deeply rooted in who I am.
When you have a strong sense of family, no matter where life takes you or what you may be dealing with, you always have a foundation to return to. Family reminds you where you came from, helps you remember who you are, and gives you a sense of belonging that neither time nor distance can erase.
Yesterday’s conversation was a beautiful reminder that some connections never truly disappear. They simply wait for us to find our way back to them.
Thank you for the memories, Beans—and for making an hour feel far too short.
Published by Ed Kowalski
Ed Kowalski is a Pleasant Valley resident, media voice, and policy-focused professional whose work sits at the intersection of law, public policy, and community life. Ed has spent his career working in senior leadership roles across human resources, compliance, and operations, helping organizations navigate complex legal and regulatory environments. His work has focused on accountability, risk management, workforce issues, and translating policy and law into practical outcomes that affect people’s jobs, livelihoods, and communities. Ed is also a familiar voice in the Hudson Valley media landscape. He most recently served as the morning host of Hudson Valley This Morning on WKIP and is currently a frequent contributor to Hudson Valley Focus with Tom Sipos on Pamal Broadcasting. In addition, Ed is the creator of The Valley Viewpoint, a commentary and narrative platform focused on law, justice, government accountability, and the real-world impact of public policy. Across broadcast and written media, Ed’s work emphasizes transparency, access to justice, institutional integrity, and public trust. Ed is a graduate of Xavier High School, Fordham University, and Georgetown University, holding a Certificate in Business Leadership from Georgetown. His Jesuit education shaped his belief that ideas carry obligations—and that leadership requires both discipline and moral clarity. He lives in Pleasant Valley.
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