....Reconnecting with Family...

Had some cousins from my dad's side come to the house Wednesday evening. Cousin Lucy was the one who introduced my mom to my dad when they were attending Ponce High School. My great aunt, Candice (we call her Candy) gave us some stories of my grandmother and dad. The other cousins and I have known each other through pictures, cards and letters and telephone conversations, but had never met face to face. Also ends up that Candy's husband and my dad used to hang out when they were younger.

The group all met here for a quick get away from the cold weather. Candy and her husband are now in Omaha, Nebraska with her daughter. Lucy and her husband Peter are moving around. They are currently in North Carolina, but are moving to Vero Beach. Candy's daughter is also named Lucy and her brother inlaw is now on SOBE (Hmm?, late 20's, single, school teacher from Nebraska living in SOBE...he did not attend the gathering).

Some other family friends were invited to drop by, so of course, we had to prepare the usual Puertorican feeding: garden salad, pasteles, arroz con gandules, alcapurrias, guineos escabeche, shimp cocktail, assorted cheeses, finger sandwiches, chicken nuggets (for the little ones), fruit (mango, pineapple, water melon, papaya, bananas) and top it off with home made flan and a key lime pie.

What made my evening was Candy's stories of my dad and her recollections of his kindness and caring for her when other's in the family were not willing to do so. She brought a bag full of old photographs that I have never seen. There was some laughter and tears, but it really uplifted me to know that dad is still remembered fondly by friends and family. (My dad's side had conflicts, so my generation is the one that has been getting us all back together.) We ended the evening watching some DVD's of Puerto Rico and I gave them all copies of a song book with the Spanish standards my parents and grandparents loved.

and next.....

Am travelling Thursday with 5 women to the Annual Conference of the National Association of Episcopal Christian Education Directors (I'm a member) in Jacksonville, FL. Good thing is I get to meet up with 3 good friends who will be attending (one from New York, one from Seattle, and one from Tampa). So, will update the blog when I get back.

I do believe I will be needing some 'Spanish Court" therapy on Sunday after I get back.....