Reflections From the Heart

September 26, 2024 · 4:26 PM

¡Viva México!

My baby girl did it again! She made reservations in honor of my birthday. We flew first class to an all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort in Cancun! This would be an unforgettable adventure, a perfect celebration of my special day.

After we landed, we went through customs. We retrieved our luggage, and our shuttle bus arrived in no time. Our five-day mini-vacation commenced, just she and I.

By sunset, we walked along the beautiful beach. A nice breeze was blowing, and we took many pictures for our hubbies back home.

At the resort, we had a plethora of activities to choose from. We had our pick of five restaurants to dine in. A daily buffet served international foods for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Of course, room service was also available. We ate and drank to our hearts’ content. I’m not sure, but I swear the Coke tasted better in Mexico!

The next morning, my daughter and I hopped on a shuttle bus. For part of the day, we joined a coworker and his family. They were also vacationing in Cancun at another resort. We enjoyed an outing at Riviera Maya to experience Xcaret’s natural waterpark. We put on lifejackets and jumped into the cold underground river. We paddled along with our arms and feet. It was such an accelerating experience!

Back at our resort, my favorite spot was to hang out and swim in the peaceful lagoon. The weather was perfect with blue sunny skies. The turquoise water was so calm and clear, it was easy to see the fish swimming up to you.

On our final day, we caught another shuttle to a Catamaran and went on a snorkeling tour. The staff onboard provided us with a mask, fins, and snorkel tube. We dropped into the warm water and soon saw colorful marine life swimming along the reefs. I reached out and nearly touched a clownfish! I never realized how huge the manatees were.

Part of this Catamaran excursion was two hours of free time at the 5-mile island, Isla Mujeres. The beach there is stunning. Playa Norte is just off the coast of Cancun. It is jam-packed with tourists as other boats pull right up. We walked around and did some shopping. Street vendors and salespeople in the stores surrounded you from all sides. They tried to sell their goods and haggle over pricing. You just had to know how to haggle right back.
We did manage to walk away with some great gifts for our loved ones back home.

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), celebrated on Nov. 2, is set aside to remember and honor those who have died. Wouldn’t you know we bumped into some folks already dressed in costumes?

My take on visiting Cancun is: I was pleasantly surprised and Lord willing, I SHALL RETURN! So many activities to visit, see, and do there! A GREAT place to visit!

¡Viva México!

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Tagged as all-inclusive resort, Cancun, catamaran, Hispanic Heritage Month, Isla Mujeres, lagoon, Mexico, mother-daughter outing, snorkeling, vacation, Xcaret

September 23, 2024 · 11:56 AM

I Miss My Baby Sister

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Tagged as grief, love, memoir, memories, music, personal, reminiscing, sister

August 31, 2024 · 10:18 AM

Embracing the Seasons

I rarely think about my age. However, my body sure reminds me whenever I throw my back out. It also reminds me of when my knee pops. And yes, in the mirror, I sometimes notice an extra line here or another wrinkle there. I gaze upon certain areas of my physique. I wonder where “it” went and when “that” changed.

From time to time, I muse about my early years. I had to grow up so fast. Then, I had four small children in my teens and young adulthood. The next thing I knew, my twenties were gone, and my marriage was deteriorating. Divorced in my thirties – I felt like a failure, but the world did not end. I remarried by my mid-thirties. Thank God for new beginnings. I can shout from the rooftop that no marriage is so good that it can’t be made better! (You see, I’ve been married most of my life.) In my forties, I embraced the wonders of grand-parenting. In my fifties, I felt the notorious body aches and pains. I found myself being a caregiver to a dear little centenarian. She taught me about living one day at a time.

In my sixties, the seasons changed again for me. This time, I sadly had to say so long to my mama. Within three months, I embraced the wonders of great-grandparenting. And she is GREAT.

As I reflect on this aging process, I realize I don’t have all the answers. However, I believe I’ve learned a thing or two about what life has dealt me. Someone said, “Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.”

I read Psalms 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” This passage speaks to me and tells me to make each day count. I must remember to live in the present, not the yesteryears or tomorrows. I must remember to laugh often, love deeply, pray sincerely, and believe that my best days are before me.

Another birthday has come and gone. I can’t help but think: Have I done all I ever wanted to do? Of course, the answer is a resounding no: not even close. Am I running out of time? That’s God’s business. I believe life is a gift from God, and I’ll take each day and cherish the moment. He is the reason for every good thing, every heartbeat, and every second chance. Each. And. Everyday.

I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds my tomorrow.

I am thankful for God’s goodness and the love I still see in my grown children’s eyes. I cherish the laughter of my grandchildren’s voices and the giggles of my great-granddaughter. The warmth of my husband’s embrace fills my heart. I am grateful for the scent of rain lingering in the air. The taste of grateful tears streaming down my cheeks reminds me of my joy. I am thankful for yet another year with loved ones and friends.

Someone said age is a myth and beauty is a state of mind. I like that.

May I grow old gracefully, forever blooming where I am planted,
one petal at a time.

“Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grits and Grace” by Mary A. Pérez

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Tagged as aging, birthday, blessings, gratitude, growth, life, maturing, milestone, Musing, personal, Psalm 90:12, reminiscing, time

August 7, 2024 · 12:54 PM

Carolyn & Ronnie

I have learned that there are seasons for everything. Emotions are up and down. Friends, relationships, and even marriages will come and go. But our God remains constant.

I previously blogged an insert from my book Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace. It mentioned Susie’s husband, who became my former husband’s uncommon German buddy. Their friendship lasted a lifetime. I witnessed a feat that God alone could accomplish in that man of mine back then. Did it go as I had hoped for in our marriage? No. But there were lessons learned, and I believe growth took shape inside of me.

Donny completed weeks of treatment for alcohol abuse as an inpatient at the VA Hospital. Afterward, another remarkable friendship soon began to take shape. A bond soon developed. Donny met Ronnie. He was one of the sweetest men I knew. Ronnie was married to Carolyn, the sweetest woman I knew (and still do). Known for being a “completed-Jew,” Ronnie loved Jesus and shared the love of Christ with others. Ronnie was not one to reserve his affection. He never shied away from giving Donny a couple of his bear hugs whenever they crossed paths. I believed that because Donny had no siblings, Ronnie’s warmth filled a void in him. Ronnie became the big brother he never had. There wasn’t anything one wouldn’t do for the other.

Donny had always been a giver, but spending time with Ronnie taught him genuine compassion. My former husband had a heart after all, and he had begun allowing others to see it. Carolyn assured me that Ronnie was also learning about his willingness to take risks from Donny. Our husbands were worlds apart, like salty pretzels and sugar cookies. Amazingly, we saw them caring for and loving each other as true brothers. It’s been said that God works in mysterious ways.

Years later, our dear friend Ronnie became gravely ill. After a few months, we were shocked and heartbroken to learn of his passing. The news shook Donny to the core. But one thing for certain remained. Donny had learned to love. He then grew to miss someone significant in his life. Undoubtedly, our dear friend Ronnie left a lasting mark; he blessed and affected all he met.

Sweet Carolyn, one of my sisters & forever friends with her sweet Ronnie!

Present: I recently had lunch with sweet Carolyn and reminisced about our husbands’ unique friendships those many years ago. We remembered how they had a mutual love and respect for one another. “They both loved to fish together,” Carolyn said, “and Donny was there if Ronnie ever needed help with anything physical.” Whatever the task, she commented on how Donny did it right and graciously. “Those two were peas in a pod,” Carolyn said, “they so enjoyed spending time together.” Indeed, they did, and for several years, Donny walked a straight line and had become accountable.

In retrospect, I learned that you might not remember what someone said. However, you will never forget how they made you feel, and that speaks volumes to this day.

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend
Prov. 27:17

Susie

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Filed under friendship

Tagged as Alcohol Recovery, bromance, compassion, God's faithfulness, National Friendship Day, personal transformation, Proverbs 27:17, Relationships, Running in Heels: A Memoir of Grit and Grace, seasons of life, Unlikely friendships

July 16, 2024 · 6:04 AM

In the Eye of the Storm

This has been a week of swirling events that boggle the mind.

I never liked hurricanes from my childhood days growing up in Miami. As an adult living in Houston, I certainly didn’t want them now.

We prepared for the anticipated Hurricane Beryl to cross our path. We filled our vehicles with gas. We went grocery shopping for water and all the necessities while supplies last. My husband filled our portable generator and several oil lanterns with fuel. We hunkered down, determined to make the best of the situation.

On Mon, July 8th, Hurricane Beryl made landfall around 3:30 a.m. The pelting rain on the windows woke us. She was a Category 1 storm with 80-mph damaging winds and beating down hard. In no time, the roads flooded and we had tornado warnings. At least 3 people were reported dead from this detrimental storm. Sure enough, we had a power outage. I looked at the time: 6:14 am. Thank goodness, my husband soon cranked up the generator. That generator kept both refrigerators running, the TV, a couple of fans, and my computer for work. Thankfully, our internet never went down.

That afternoon, we assessed our property for damages. Besides tree branches and leaves scattered across the backyard, our roof and wooden fence remained intact. We gladly helped a neighbor in two ways. We kept their meat in our freezer. We also charged their phone charger every day. Our gas stove cooked warm meals, and we used oil lanterns for light in the evenings.

When evening came, it was still cool enough from the heat. I opened the windows as I continued to work from home with a small fan blowing on me. But with each passing hour, the heat intensified, becoming an unwelcome distant cousin of Hurricane Beryl. Thank God for being able to take cool showers!

Over 2.4 million people were left without power. By Tuesday morning, 100% of the rain had come down, which meant we had to close the windows. We knew this delayed CenterPoint Energy from restoring our power. I tried to stay upbeat, but truthfully, I became irritable, gripping, and listless.

By day three, with our power still out, I drove to the office, as their power had been fully restored. I drove through my neighborhood that morning. I was flabbergasted to see all the debris, fallen branches, and uprooted trees. One tree had toppled over a house in my subdivision! My heart went out to that family. I realized that no matter the circumstances, it can always be worse. I asked the Lord to help me weather the aftermath of this storm.

Saturday – day six, and still no power. I was thankful for our ongoing generator. I worked half a day from home. I prepared a meal in the crockpot and relaxed in my recliner. I sat near the bedroom window to watch a Netflix series. Later that evening, my son ran in saying that Trump had been shot. My heart skipped a beat as I turned on the news. We remained glued to the TV. We watched and re-watched the horrific attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. It happened at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The time was approximately 7:15 pm CDT.

Trump dodged a bullet when he turned his head at just the right moment. This resulted only in nicking his upper right ear. This was a close call – I believe – an act of divine intervention. God is not finished with him yet. The Secret Service rushed Trump off the stage into the SUV. He showed remarkable resiliency, courage, and strength. He encouraged the crowds cheering for him at the rally.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

We are not promised tomorrow. We can only live for today and strive to do our best with what we have been entrusted with. We all come from different walks of life. As a Christian, I certainly don’t have all the answers; in fact, I am left with more questions about today. The Bible says, “It rains on the just and unjust.” I know that my God is still on the throne. Nothing takes Him by surprise.

I thought about God’s protection and what being in the eye of the storm meant. There are many storms in this life. Storms can be so intense. If you let them, they’ll shake you to the core and rob you of your peace. They’ll take away your joy and even your sanity. May we learn to trust in the One who calms the seas and the storms, and rest in Him.

I am happy to report that a little past 8:00 p.m. on that same Saturday night, the power came back. Oh, and it returned to our area. This definitely was one emotionally taxing six days, and I am forever grateful this chapter is behind us.

“In order to realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm.” Corrie ten Boom

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Tagged as Casting Crown, Corrie ten Boom, Donald J. Trump, God's promises, Hurricane Beryl, life, personal, power outage, Prayer, Ryan Stevenson, storm, trials

June 16, 2024 · 4:04 PM

Dad: A son’s first hero. A daughter’s first love.

The fathers in my family are affectionately referred to as Dad, Daddy, and Papi. Newsflash: None are perfect! But each one signifies love, courage, provision, and strength. Their eyes glow with purpose. Their smiles melt hearts. Their chest swells with pride. Their callous hands protect. They stand tall with dignity. And their embraces offer comfort and assurance. Yes, they are the pillars of our households.

It’s said that every man is trying to live up to his father’s expectations. Alternatively, he is trying to make up for his father’s mistakes. I’m not sure if that’s true. I only know that each man represented in my family strives to be the very best possible. Each holds a mantle and carries a torch for the next generation. Each dad represented in my family lays a solid foundation, even those who have crossed over to the other side. I can’t help but think about my own grandfathers. They were strong, respected, dedicated men with a constant presence. They left behind a legacy. When the tough got going, they didn’t cave under pressure. They persevered with Puerto Rican pride in every fiber of their being.

To the men in my family who are dads: I love each of you. I admire each of you. To my dear husband, who married me with four children, I share this quote. “It takes a strong man to accept somebody else’s children. It takes strength to step up to the plate, another man left on the table.” I salute you.

I salute you all. Remember: Any man can be a father. But it takes a special person to be a dad.

And to the newest addition to our family, my grandson’s precious

little girl, who has made me a proud great-grandma!

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Tagged as courage, Daddy, Faith, Father's Day tribute, fatherhood, heritage, legacy, love, pride, strength

May 7, 2024 · 10:38 PM

Dear Mama,

My heart is heavy thinking about you today. It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been a year since you’ve been gone. One of the hardest things was letting go and relinquishing you into God’s hands. He took you home on Mother’s Day around 3 pm. I believe you received the best Mother’s Day gift ever. It was difficult to see you in pain, a prisoner in your own body, lying in that bed. I never gave up on you, Mama! But I had to let you go. You had suffered enough.

In the end, friends and family came together for a celebration of life in honor of you. I’m sure the Lord gave you a glimpse of this side of heaven. You saw your beautiful flowers and heard the music choice. I know you would have been pleased and touched by what was said on your behalf. You were loved. And you are sorely missed.

I think about you often, especially during the holidays. You were always a vital part of our household. You sat at the dinner table, surrounded by family and chatter. You always enjoyed our delicious home-cooked meals. I think about you whenever I cook one of your favorites. I’m glad I can look back at some photos and see you grinning with your plate full! I loved to make you smile. Whenever I’d see a pretty blouse or jewelry, I’d buy it for you. I knew it would please you. Even bringing you a banana split or a vanilla shake did the trick.

Reflecting back, my heart is also heavy for the times I grew impatient with you. I had tried to express how sorry I was for any harsh words spoken out of frustration between us. I’m grateful that our God is merciful, and His grace covers us. We were not the perfect mother-and-daughter role model. Our words weren’t always laced with honey. But we were quick to forgive each other. After all, you were my Mama, and I remained your little girl.

You know, you went with us to Miami. I took some of your remains. I scattered them alongside Grandma & Grandpa. I also scattered them alongside my baby sister, whom we lost so long ago. You always wanted to be near them. I know this was more healing for my benefit, but I wanted you to know I hadn’t forgotten.

Oh, Mama, you have a precious great-great-granddaughter now! You would be tickled-pink and all over her! She was born three months after your passing, two days before my birthday.

Mama. You. Were. Right. You can have ten fathers, but only one mother! Mother’s Day is around the corner. I still imagine you sitting at the dinner table across from me. But your chair is empty now. You are gone, but will forever live in our hearts until we meet again.

I hope you know, you are loved beyond words. Missed beyond measure.

With all my love, always your little girl.

I also took Mama to Puerto Rico with me to scatter some of her remains…

Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

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Tagged as Faith, forgiveness, God's grace, inner-healing, Mama, mercy, mother-daughter relationships, Mothers Day, Musing, personal, reflection

April 27, 2024 · 9:44 PM

My Visit to Puerto Rico

I have always had a desire to visit Puerto Rico. It is known as “Isla del Encanto“, the “Island of Enchantment” and is the small island of my ancestors. This desire has been with me ever since I can remember. Plans to go failed over the years for one reason or another, but the third time was the charm!

Our first visit to Puerto Rico for our 30th wedding anniversary was set. After making the flight reservations and renting an Airbnb, we were so excited. We were thrilled to have some family members join us! Our baby girl, my lit’l brother, cousins, hubby, and I made the 6 of us. ¡Wepa!

The Flor de Maga: the official flower of the Commonwealth of PR

Some of the colorful buildings in Old San Juan, P.R.

Going to enjoy a little grub after our walk.

Bright blue Caribbean Ocean view at Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan.

Our daughter had these awesome tumblers specifically made for us.

This was an entire roasted pig: Lechon Asado

This cat sanctuary looks after the community cat colony of Paseo del Morro in the historic San Juan district

‘When you dance with your heart, your feet follow.’

Hanging out with some of Puerto Rico’s colorful majestic parrots.

Luquillo Beach, also called Balneario de la Monserrate, where the sand varies in color from ivory to golden and darker on the north side due to the trees.

I sure almost tumbled twice. Thank you, brother, for having my back!

https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/puerto-rico/articles/10-things-to-know-before-visiting-el-yunque-rainforest

This Guava chicken was as good as it looks! *¡Ay que rico!*

This is the tour boat that will take us on a 4-hour snorkeling adventure!

These sea turtles swimming under us were enormous!

These are the 6 fun-loving crazies enjoying our last evening together in Puerto Rico on the patio. We shared tons of stories, many delicious meals, and loads of laughter. We plan on getting together again, hopefully with even more family members.

I wholeheartedly loved our time in Puerto Rico and learning about its fascinating culture. I enjoyed the few excursions, which required much walking on cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, curb ramps, and steep hills. Visiting El Yunque Rainforest was truly enjoyable. Getting on a boat for my first snorkeling adventure, allowed me to see some of the wonders of marine life underwater. It was so worth it!

I found it interesting that the little chirping Coquí frogs are the national symbol for Puerto Rico. Just like the Puerto Rican people, they are resilient. Their voices are loud, and they will be heard! The Coquí is the perfect national symbol for Puerto Rico. It is a small island with a small frog. Yet, it has a BIG VOICE. Besides, these tiny creatures would have kept me up all night if I hadn’t had my earplugs on!