Grandpa Guilt

I'm going to be honest, I feel guilty because I don't really have a relationship with my grandpas. I know I am not doing enough to be present in their lives...

Sometimes I feel like we don't really talk or see each other because we don't live in the same Country. I was born and have lived my whole life (so far) in Vancouver and they live in Honduras. I don't know, I mean I have a healthy relationship with my grandma who lives in Illinois. She visited us often here in Vancouver during our childhood and we would visit her when she lived in New Orleans and Texas during our adolescence. She came to my wedding in Guadalajara and we talk on the phone de ves en cuando and Facebook each other...

But I feel like that's a bullshit excuse really because I can pick up a phone and call them, I just don't know what we'd talk about and I don't want it to be awkward, you know? But I guess small talk can work in this situation since we would really just be getting to know one another? Uhm, I don't know..I feel like I need to call them and tell them that I think about them everyday, that I am sorry for rarely communicating or visiting them. But that I want to start... Is a short call better than no call?

No, no...my grandpa's don't have Facebook. I'm pretty sure they don't even have internet. 

Ef, I don't even know when their birth dates are...ugh, how embarrassing  I feel like such a horrible person. But, I'm going to change this. Later today I'm going to ask my parents for my abuelos birth dates. I will jot them down in my agenda and make sure I send birthday cards (for the first time). What about writing them each a letter and sending them a photo of us the last time we saw each other (one in 2008, the other in 2010). I'm nervous about calling them, to tell you the truth, but I want to do it.

I want to show and tell them how much I love, appreciate and admire them. I want to hear their stories of love, loss, the civil war and so much more...before it's too late. 

I want more memories with them.

What else can I do to build an authentic relationship with my abuelos?

No hay que llorar que la Vida es un Carnaval

The last week n a bit has been an emotional roller coaster. There were times were I thought there was a little bit of hope he would survive and recover, but as the days went by we realized that he wouldn't. The family had come to accept the fact that he was very ill and that his days were numbered. I just want to thank God that my husband and I made it on time to spend the last couple of days of his life right by his side, along with the entire family. I will never forget the experience, you accepted me with open arms when we first met in 2009, and I will always remember our last conversation ;) Thank you for being an exemplary example of what it means to be a GREAT husband, dad, and grandfather.  I know you will be watching over us.

Amongst so much pain and sorrow, we were united as ONE, a family that supports one another. Out of tragedy, beauty and peace can flourish. Families come together to reminisce about the past. Forever wrapped in your love.

Thank You

I'm grateful that our paths crossed. I'm grateful that we can be who we are, and love everything about eachother. I'm grateful for all the little things you do to make my day that much sweeter. I'm grateful that we are both dreamers and believers. Thank you for always smiling and looking forward.

I love you.

Sisters and Brothers and the skills they teach us

It's crazy how we've all grown up; I remember helping my parents feed you, cloth you and even change your diapers. I remember all of us cuddling on the couch watching cartoons, or playing barber shop in that stroller! Hahaha, what about all those dance (merengue and even punta!) performances we had to do for Mother's Day?

From playing house, Power Rangers, Lego and Barbies to asking for and giving advice about school, career and even relationships. You three are a part of my foundation, and partly responsible for who I was then, who I am now, and who I want to be tomorrow.  I will always be here for you, no matter the time, place or even distance. 

Oh the adventures and accidents;  laughing and shouting; hugging and kicking that you go thru with your siblings throughout the years...pretty CRAZY right? Some of the most important life skills are taught by our sibling; how to share and be fair, how to cooperate and communicate, how to be kind and caring. One of the most important skills I've learned  from being a sister is how to forgive...

Take care of your siblings, tell them how much they mean to you and how much you love them. Leave them a note, send a letter/postcard, call them, text them....just tell them you love them. 

"Blessed is the servant who loves his brother as much when he is sick and useless as when he is well and can be of service to him.  And blessed is he who loves his brother as well when he is afar off as when he is by his side, and who would say nothing behind his back he might not, in love, say before his face."  ~St Francis of Assisi