Bison's momma here....posting non Bison or dog related stuff.My nana, Andrea used to tell me this every night before I went to bed. Translation: Sleep with the angels. I can't believe it's going to be almost ten years since her passing. I miss her very much and think of her everyday.
I Started this post nearly two weeks ago but as life is such, other things arose which caused me to put it to the side. In the meantime, Bobby's grandfather (Tata) on his mothers side passed Monday morning. Earlier this month, Bobby's Uncle passed (Dave) on his fathers side. My grandmother (Mama) passed on Palm Sunday (one week earlier) on my mother's side. Yes, that's a total of three deaths between our families in this month alone! This month has been an emotional roller coaster. Mama was the reason I started this post. I wanted to reflect on the memories I had with her and sort through my thoughts. I figured it would be therapeutic and a chance for me to raid my photo albums of pictures I took of her.
We returned from Tata's funeral last night. I was both emotionally and physically exhausted. So much that I stayed home from work today. I haven't had the chance to mourn Mama or get enough sleep for that matter. Today I had the opportunity to sleep, sleep, sleep, and sleep! On with the tribute of our grandparents...Now it's my turn to tell Mama to sleep with the angels.
Mama had a way to make us laugh by acting silly, being blunt, telling the best dirty jokes ever, and sharing comical stories from her childhood. She definitely was a woman with character and charisma. Here she is sporting my mom's Elvira costume wig for my 21st birthday Halloween party. I remember turning around and seeing this lady with really long black hair staring at me from afar. When I realized it was Mama with my mom's Elvira wig, I couldn't stop laughing. You know, the laughing where you're almost crying? She really knew how to make us laugh.
One of the times she stayed with us (while I lived with my parents) I asked her if I could snap some pictures of her. She gladly accepted the offer and went to put on her vibrant red blouse and red lipstick. Red and fuscia were her favorite colors. Probably because they were vibrant like her. Looking back, she was in charge of the photo shoot. She told me where I should take her picture and posed appropriately. And rightfully so, look at the beautiful shots I got of her. These pictures depict Mama in the best light possible. They represent the memory I will always hold of her.
The one on the rock was genius...what a regal look on her face.
I love the touch these playful sunglasses offer to this photo. This is my favorite picture of her.
Mama is sitting next to her daughter, my Tia Menche and her husband, Jose. The event was our bridal shower in 2002 at my parents home. Mama lived her life with my tia and my cousins. They were fortunate enough to hear the life lessons she expressed in the stories she told them daily and Mama was blessed to have their unconditional love in return.
I can't remember when this picture was taken. I know we were at my parents home and Mama was probably cooking us something yummy because we were in the kitchen. She was a whiz in the kitchen. My favorites were her frijoles negros (black beans), chilaquillas (different cheeses sandwiched by a tortilla, dipped in egg batter, then fried), and arroz con leche (rice pudding).
Here we are celebrating my birthday at a restaurant for dinner. Typical for my eyes to be closed! Hmmm...now that I inspect this picture a little bit more, I'm liking the hair cut. I'll have to revisit that style some time again:) Mama was lucky enough to have met her Great Grand children and be a part of their lives for many years. What I think was extraordinary about her is that she made a constant effort to be a part of all of our lives by attending events that were important to us or just spending time with us by visiting for days or weeks at a time. Gracias Mama, we loved your presence!
And here are my two cousins, Anita on the left and Priscilla on the right. Or should I say, Mama's angels!! My cousins grew up with Mama in their home...I would venture to say they looked at her as a second mother. When Mama needed Anita and Priscilla the most, they were there to take her to doctors appointments, cook for her, groom her, and keep her company. This is my favorite picture of the trio because it shows the close bond my cousins had with Mama and their genuine love for one another. I love my cousins, they have my utmost respect as family and human beings. We should all be lucky enough to have people like them in our lives not to mention in our families. I consider myself lucky.
When my Tio Gerardo (on the left of me) passed almost four years ago, Mama was devastated. Now she can reunite with her son in the afterlife. May she dance with him again.
Duerma con los angelitos, mamita
On Monday afternoon I drove down to the Bay Area to scan pictures of Tata's life for a slide show at his funeral reception yesterday. I thought the slide show my cousin Roseanna put together for Mama ended on a happier note because we left remembering how she lived instead of her death. I wanted to do the same for Tata. It's really a win win because now I have pictures of Bobby's family to make albums with. A project I intend on starting this week, actually. The slide show consisted of something like 104 pictures, an excellent turnout. I think the hardest part was narrowing them down.
Tata was a World War II Veteran. Here is a portrait of him while he served our country. Tata was buried with Military Honors. His wife (Nanay) was given a United States Flag for his service to our country. This was the first time I saw the ceremony performed in person, it was beautiful!
This picture was taken at our bridal shower in 2002. Starting from the left Tata, Nanay, and Anna (Bobby's momma).
Again at our bridal shower, Bobby and I pose with Nanay and Tata in my parents front yard. Here I am with my eyes closed again. Geez, I seem to blink right when the shutter is closing.
Here are Tata and Nanay at their 50th wedding anniversary. How amazing is hearing about a couple that is wedded to one another for so many years. Quite impressive. This year would have marked 60 years of marriage.
Bobby's cousin, Lori captured this beautiful portrait of Tata at our wedding in 2002. This is how I will always remember Tata.
Losing family members is always difficult for those of us left behind because we mourn our loss. Life is precious. If there is anything that I've learned from this sad month, it's that we should make time to spend with family now. We get so caught up in life and things we have to do that we forget to live. I'm glad I documented moments with our families by trailing my camera around because now that's all we have left. Pictures and memories.
Rest in Peace Mama and Tata. We love you and miss you.
When we got to the beach we watched a black lab walk on water.
Lindsay wanted to get right in to cool off.
Now for some serious swimming. My dadda gets Lindsay in position, notice her arms already doing the doggie paddle.
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