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 our best to care for Mama during the few years she lived with us. When she went through major surgery, we 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. Since their marriage, my dear sister has taken 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 the special day came to fruition. We were there to help celebrate this grand occasion.
We enjoyed spending precious time with Daddy, Mama Gloria, siblings, aunts, uncles, and several cousins. Fourteen of us stayed overnight at a lovely 2-story Airbnb. My sister had reserved it, providing more than ample room with a swimming pool. More family members arrived the next day to celebrate Daddy’s birthday bash. We gathered around and ate to our heart’s content. The catered meal included Puerto Rican and Cuban dishes. The dishes were pernil (roasted pork roast) and arroz con gandules (yellow rice and pigeon peas). They also included Congri (Cuban rice mixed with black beans). We had 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 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 cool sword fighting. During the performance, a tasty four-course meal was served. You had to eat with your hands, just 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. We saw blue herons. There were also gators and their nests. We spotted small, beautiful, orange-looking birds. We even saw a bald eagle! One evening, we visited Old Town in Kissimmee with our cousins. We enjoyed a 30-year-old tradition of classic hot rods and muscle cars in a parade. On another day, the chances of rain did not stop us. We headed towards the lovely Anna Maria Beach. It has warm, clear turquoise water and white sand. The scenery did not disappoint. This was a little bit of heaven for me. It was hard to leave! Finally, we stopped and visited my stepson in Tampa. Surprisingly, he 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. I reconnected with some cousins whom I hadn’t seen in a minute. It was nice to get to know them.
Remember: family time is essential. 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.
(I especially want to thank Titi Sonia and Tio Manny for graciously putting us up in their lovely home.)
Please enjoy some photos taken of our vacation week.
Dad: A son’s first hero. A daughter’s first love.
Once we landed, it was she who became our guardian angel. While I retrieved our luggage, she stayed behind and waited patiently with Mark. When I returned, she volunteered to accompany me in fetching our rental car, even praying for a blessing over the remainder of our vacation. She walked with me back to where Mark was waiting, helped me load everything into the car, and politely waved goodbye to us. I truly felt she was an angel sent by God.
We were flooded with hugs, tears, and joy, and our bellies were full of my stepmother’s delicious Fricase de Pollo in no time. Due to all the medication my husband was on, he hadn’t had much of an appetite, but I was certain it would return with all the anticipated Puerto Rican cuisine.
The next day after a warm breakfast, we drove into Ft. Lauderdale to visit Big Brother, his wife, and their three strapping sons. While the 
big boys played a game of chess, we gals went grocery shopping. When we returned, Mark was ready to call it a day. The pain from his ribs was causing him misery.
The anticipated meal did not disappoint. 
Although quite tasty, the star entree wasn’t the pavo but the pernil, the traditional Puerto Rican pork shoulder. Not to be outdone, there were a couple of large pans of my stepmother’s delicious arroz con gandules. This was a Thanksgiving feast at its best! I believe we ate until we couldn’t eat another bite; hardly any room for dessert.
From Heart to Heritage
Reflections From the Heart 