Some of you know we had to say goodbye to my 88-year-old mama, a little over three months ago. Her memory continues to linger. She was loved beyond words. Missed beyond measure. At times, whenever I enter her room, sadness still floods my soul. I’ve given my grief over to the Lord time and time again, and every day I am strengthened. We did the best we could in caring for Mama for the few years she lived with us, and once she went through major surgery, we even sought outside professional help.
If you have read my memoir, you know my parents divorced when I was very young. Daddy still lives in Florida with my stepmother. My dear sister, from their marriage, is taking excellent care of them both. I was anxious about visiting Daddy this year for his 90th birthday. Needless to say, it was important to me that I be there.
The day finally arrived when we flew to Orlando for Daddy’s milestone birthday party. However, due to illnesses, etc., this big event almost didn’t happen. I am so thankful that the special day came to fruition and we were present to help celebrate this grand occasion.
We enjoyed spending precious time with Daddy, Mama Gloria, siblings, aunts, uncles, and several cousins. There were about 14 of us who stayed overnight at a lovely 2-story Airbnb my sister had reserved, which was more than ample room with a swimming pool. The next day, more family members arrived to celebrate Daddy’s birthday bash, and we gathered around and ate to our heart’s content. The catered meal consisted of Puerto Rican and Cuban dishes such as pernil (roasted pork roast), arroz con gandules (yellow rice and pigeon peas), Congri (Cuban rice mixed with black beans), maduros (sweet plantains), and Cuban-style yuca with garlic mojo. Photos were taken with the birthday boy, with cake and balloons.
Mornings consisted of indulging in delicious home-cooked breakfasts with café con leche. We continually exchanged stories, laughter, great conversations, singing, and prayers. Wonderful memories were made to last a lifetime. Daddy’s party was a wonderful event.
After our stay in the Airbnb, we continued with our vacation plans. We attended a dinner and tournament show at the Medieval Times Dinner Theater in Orlando. The entertainment was fantastic with beautiful horses, jousting, and some cool sword fighting. During the performance, a tasty four-course meal was served, but you had to eat with your hands like in medieval times. Other outings that week included a one-hour ride at Wild Willy’s Airboat Tour through Florida’s Everglades. We experienced some of Florida’s wildlife including blue herons, gators and their nests, small beautiful orange-looking birds, and we even saw a bald eagle! One evening, we visited Old Town in Kissimmee with our cousins and got to enjoy a 30-year-old tradition with classic hot rods and muscle cars driving by in tow! On another day, the chances of rain did not stop us as we headed towards the lovely Anna Maria Beach with its turquoise warm, clear water, and white sand. The scenery did not disappoint. This was a little bit of heaven for me. It was hard to leave! And finally, we stopped and visited my stepson in Tampa and he surprisingly treated us to his mouth-watering specialty: reverse-seared ribeyes, and tomahawk steaks!
Looking back now, I am thankful for all that transpired during our week in Florida. My main takeaway: Daddy remembered me. He remembered all of us. He was present, engaging, and loving. He even said a prayer over us. It felt good to feel his love while hugging him tightly. It was special to see my nieces and nephew and see how they have grown, and reconnect with some cousins whom I hadn’t seen in a minute, and get to know them.
Remember: family time is important. Embrace all that God has blessed you with; weed out the pettiness and all that is cumbersome. Life is short and fleeting. You blink and you miss a moment. Count your blessings and focus on the bigger picture on this side of heaven called life’s journeys. It is a gift.
(Want to especially thank Titi Sonia and Tio Manny for graciously putting us up in their lovely home.)
Please enjoy some photos taken of our vacation week.
Reflections From the Heart 