Family, family and more family

The last couple of days have been splendid. Two birthday celebrations allowed me to reconnect with family and meet others for the first time. Yesterday´s party was to celebrate my Tia Chabela´s 80^th birthday. My Tia Chabela is the widow of my grandfather´s first cousin, Abraham. Close to a hundred people gathered to honor my tia´s birth. The family I knew prior to this visit consisted of my Tio Antonio (my grandfather´s first cousin), my Tio Miguel (Antonio´s brother and first cousin of my grandfather) and their descendents. Most, if not all, of my uncles and aunts did not recognize me but once I was introduced they were filled with joy. I am always amazed by the warmth with which I am received by my family in Mexico. I have met most of the family just a few times yet they never fail at making me feel loved.

I spent a good amount of time at my Tio Antonio´s side. He recently turned 90 and has aged a lot since I last saw him. I believe he is the oldest living member of my family. He speaks slowly, softly and is difficult to understand. Because of this, most of the family spent their time with others. This left me the golden opportunity of having my Tio to myself. As our conversation began I asked him to share any remembrances he had of my grandparents. From that point on he told me repeatedly, “tengo recuerdos bonitos de tus abuelitos.” This translates to “I have beautiful memories of your grandparents.” My uncle said my grandparents did a lot for him and the people of their hometown, Tamazula, Jalisco. He said he always felt indebted to them. Throughout our conversation I fought back tears. As we talked my own memories of my grandparents raced through my head. I always thought of my grandparents as special people but the longer I live the more I learn of how special they were to everyone they crossed paths with. This is what my uncle kept articulating to me. At one point my Tio said, “your grandparents were truly special.” I replied by telling him that
he is special too. He quickly responded, with great sincerity by saying “I cannot compare to grandparents.” Over the past few days my Tio Antonio was just one of many people to describe my grandparents in this way.

Today we celebrated the 84^th birthday of my Tia Velia (wife of my Tio Antonio). I am amazed with how active she continues to be and hope that at her age I can have half of her energy. We gathered at a popular restaurant in Guadalajara. A handful of us arrived early and we munched on chips, salsa and a vegetable mix. I did most of the eating and began to feel full before the others arrived. This was a mistake because when everyone got to the restaurant multiple, large platters of food were ordered. The plates contained queso fundido, chicharron, carne de puerco, carne asada, adobada, chicken, guacamole, frijoles and as many tortillas as one could eat. While my stomach told me to stop eating, my mouth begged me to continue. There was no way I could look at such a spread without continuing to eat. My pallet thanked me for not listening to my stomach. Living in Sacramento and in a house that rarely cooks Mexican food, I forgot how tasty comida Mexicana is. Since I have been here, I have rediscovered how great Mexican cuisine is. Never again will Mexican food be questioned by me.

The restaurant in which we celebrated was full of life. It was obvious that many families came to the restaurant for not only the food but for the entertainment. Multiple mariachi groups serenaded patrons, dancers performed ballet folklorico, fortune tellers offered their services and women attempted to sell roses to willing boyfriends. Before we left the restaurant my family spent twenty minutes singing with one of the mariachi groups. My Tia Velia requested songs by Los Hermanos Zaizar. The Zaizar brothers are from my family´s hometown (Tamazula) and their songs are known across Mexico. As their songs (Cruz Ovido and Ceillo Rojo) were played, my Tias sang loudly and with pride. I watched with amusement and joy. The sights and sounds of the restaurant were those that can only be found in Mexico. Those of you that know Mexico know exactly what I am talking about.

The fun has not ended. My Tio Miguel invited us to his house for pozole and ponche tomorrow. Again a group of us will gather to enjoy great food and each other’s company. I cannot wait!!!