Margaret's Musings: Celebrating July 4th in the Chow Family Tradition 2026
A Whirlwind Month
It’s been a full, joyful month since Kendall’s graduation from the University of Miami—and somehow, the pace hasn’t slowed for a minute. Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s been keeping us busy:
- Bruce’s daughter (my granddaughter!) Micaela married Mark Keller
- Just days later, Scott and Melissa, Bruce and Lise, and I with daughter, Dana, set off on a Mediterranean cruise—from Rome to Venice—for a Raymond James trip
- Bruce managed to squeeze in Knicks games both before and after the cruise (more on that saga from him soon!)
- While we were at sea, my grandson Cole arrived in Miami to begin his internship with Teach For America
- We wrapped it all up by hosting a welcome dinner for TFA’s newest corps members—bright, enthusiastic, and just beginning their teaching journeys
Micaela and Mark’s Wedding
The wedding took place in Temecula, California—about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego—and true to Micaela’s personality, it was built around “experience”.
That theme started with their very first date: Blaze Pizza in a park after meeting on a dating app. So for the welcome party, they recreated that moment in style—reserving both a Blaze Pizza and the neighboring yogurt shop for the night. Guests ordered their favorite pizzas, then wandered next door for dessert. It was relaxed, personal, and a perfect icebreaker.
The wedding itself was held at Galway Downs, a stunning rustic equestrian venue in the heart of wine country. Bruce’s lifelong best friend from high school, officiated, adding a deeply personal touch, and Micaela made her entrance in a horse-drawn carriage—equal parts elegance and storybook charm.
And then came the surprise.
After dinner, guests were simply told to bring comfortable shoes. No explanation. No hints. When everyone stepped outside, they were greeted by a full-scale carnival—completely unexpected and absolutely unforgettable.
There were food truck, drink station, bounce slides, strength testers, face painting, darts,etc and Disney-themed prize booths (a nod to the Cachos’ love of all things Disney). The “comfortable shoes” turned out to be essential—perfect for both the dance floor and navigating the carnival grounds. It was pure fun, for kids and adults alike.
The Raymond James Cruise
Each year, Raymond James hosts a weeklong gathering for leadership and top advisors to focus on the firm’s future. This year’s trip brought together past and present CEOs, senior leadership, and even founder Tom James, who shared stories and perspective from the company’s earliest days.
The central theme this year was one we’re all hearing more about: technology and AI—not as replacements for advisors, but as tools to enhance the human connection. The firm calls it the “Power of the Personal”—using technology to streamline work so advisors can spend more time doing what truly matters: building relationships with clients.
Of course, there was also time to reconnect with colleagues and take in some extraordinary destinations. Our itinerary included Rome, Salerno, and Messina in Italy; Corfu, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro (my personal favorite); Split and Zadar, Croatia; and finally Trieste, s 2 hour drive from Venice.
And the weather? Perfect—sunny skies, mild temperatures, and not a drop of rain the entire trip.
Teach For America
Longtime readers know how much Teach For America has meant to me since Wendy Kopp founded it in 1990. The organization recruits outstanding college graduates—all without education degrees—and places them in schools facing teacher shortages, with the hope they’ll become lifelong advocates and leaders in education.
This summer, that mission hit close to home.
My grandson Cole, who hopes to become a teacher, is interning with TFA’s Institute in Miami. After teaching last summer and confirming his passion, he’s now getting a behind-the-scenes look—supporting leadership, observing teacher training, and experiencing what feels more like hands-on graduate school than a typical internship.
Cole began his internship a week before, to prepare for the incoming corps members, and when training officially began. I had the pleasure of hosting a welcome dinner at a wonderful Lebanese restaurant. The group was diverse and impressive—recent graduates full of energy and purpose. One Corp member was from Israel; two had completed their degrees entirely online. All were ready to step into the classroom and make a difference.
Another Thing
I won’t even attempt to capture Bruce’s enthusiasm over the Knicks’ championship run—that’s a story best told by him, and I’m sure it’s coming soon.
Happy 250th Fourth of July
July always begins with our annual Fourth of July celebration at Bruce’s home in California, an event that owes its magic largely to Lise, who brings it all together year after year.
This tradition goes back to my father, whose birthday was also July 4th. In Shelby, Mississippi, he marked the occasion with fireworks, friends, and his legendary barbecue—ribs and steaks cooked slowly over coals while friends from all over came to feast and play mahjong too!
What made those ribs unforgettable was his sauce: a closely guarded recipe that blended his Chinese heritage with the flavors of the Mississippi Delta. It became something of a family legend. Today, my sister Judy carries it on, still making it from scratch and sharing it with friends and family—keeping that unique fusion, and my dad’s memory, alive.
The date itself has followed our family in other ways too: my daughter Dana was married on July 4th, and Micaela was born on July 4th! Four generations, all tied together by one remarkable date.
This year feels especially meaningful—it’s America’s 250th birthday. A semi quincentennial is something most of us experience just once, if at all. So, as we gather—around grills, under fireworks, and with the people we love—I’ll be thinking not just about my father, but about 250 years of shared celebrations, big and small.
Last year, a reader shared that his family continues a tradition begun by their grandfather: reading the Declaration of Independence together, each person taking a few sentences. It’s only a couple of pages, yet a powerful reminder of why we sought independence—and the enduring principles that guide us still. I plan to begin this tradition with my family, both to honor our beginnings and to celebrate the 250th birthday of this great nation. I suggest you all think about doing the same. (include hyperlink to declaration of Independence).
From our family to yours—however you celebrate, wherever you are, and whoever’s cooking—I wish you a joyful, memorable, and very happy Fourth of July.
Here’s to the next 250!!
