UNCLE CIRO'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Sister Carollo was born and raised in Pachuca, Mexico, which is about 1 1/2 hours from our mission. Recently she invited me to attend her Uncle Ciro's birthday party - where many of her family and extended family would be attending. "Of course!" What a rich opportunity to meet her family and step into a big, extended Mexican family for a few hours.
The night before the birthday party, we went to say "hola" to her parents. Living with her parents is one of Sister Carollo's brothers, Efrain, who "un nino con necesidades especial" - a special needs child. This couple has 12 living children and one who passed away. Her parents are, in brief, truly remarkable!
When we arrived, we were greeted warmly - it is the Mexican way: kisses on the cheek, hugs and pats on the back, with real affection you can feel.
As we visited together, the subject of bowling came up and that is when I got to see just a glimpse of this mother's love. "Mami" (age 83) had always worried about Efrain: she knew her other children would have families and careers and she prayed that there would be something Efrain could accomplish and be proud of. Turns out, Efrain not only liked bowling --- he was a great bowler. He participated in Special Olympics - winning locally, then in the country of Mexico and finally competing at the World Special Olympics in North Carolina! At the World's he took home home two gold medals and a silver!!
As we talked, Sister Carollo's Dad, "Popi" (age 88) went into Efrain's bedroom and brought out a showcase with all his medals:
There was also a framed picture of Efrain being congratulated by the governor! Look at all those medals! Look at how lovingly displayed they are for Efrain and everyone to enjoy!
Mami showed us a large photo of all their children, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. As we talked, Mommy cried softly, full of pride and gratitude for each of her children.
Mami loves, loves, loves being a mother and loves her children. She is 'love" personified.
I said to Sister Carollo before we left, "I feel like I've been in heaven!"
When it was time to go, Popi called a taxi for us, walked us out to the street and did not go back inside until our taxi was on its way - out of sight. Here was an 88 year old father, watching over his daughter and her friend....until they were safely on their way. Oh, to feel the watchful care of a loving father!
The next day we attended Uncle Ciro's birthday party and it was a big warm, wonderful, noisy, crowded, tasty, feast! Carnitas, barbacoa, corn on the cob, salsa, chicharron and lots and lots of tortillas! And lots and lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, babies and kids all laughing, talking, smiling, joking and hugging...
What I didn't realize until it was time to go, was how much I was missing my own family - my own parents (who died years ago...) children, sisters, brothers, cousins and grandchildren. Ahh, my own family...it has been a long time since I've been with my own big wonderful, noisy, fun family.
So....when it was time to say good-bye to Mami and Popi and the cousins and sisters...I started to cry and couldn't stop. I couldn't even speak - every time I opened my mouth, I cried. Being with them reminded me of my own mother's love and my own father's loving watchful care.
Two sisters, a cousin and Popi all walked us out onto the sidewalk to get our taxi. With one last hug and kiss, we were on our way. At that point, her cousin and sisters left to go back into the party, but Poppy alone, waited on the street, watching and waving until we were out of sight. Oh there is nothing like the loving, watchful care of a father...
I may be 60 years old, but at that moment, I was just a little girl again, feeling so blessed by this Popi...and this Momi..this family and their love!
*******************************VIVA MEXICO*******************************
In Mexico, chapels have little, if any, carpeting. All the floors are tile. So the members clean the chapel on Saturday's and have to mop all those floors by hand. So you might see this, if you come in the back door to church on Sunday morning!
Wow, uncle Ciro’s birthday bash looks so fun. I love birthdays in my family as the family gatherings are organized. My mom turned 50 recently and I hosted a very special 80s Hawaiian themed bash for her at the garden event space Atlanta which she loved from the bottom of her heart.
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