I wait 360 for 5 days a year; the day before Thanksgiving until the Sunday after. These 5 days, my family gathers at my parents' house. The diaspora being what it is, we have become spread out in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Michigan, and many remain in Puerto Rico. One can never be sure exactly who will be arrive because every year it's different. This year, all of my papi's sisters decided to come. This would be the first time they all came at the same time. It was also the first time that the extended family of siblings and cousins would be after my abuela's passing. There were so many hugs to give and memories to share. As my family always does, we also spent much time living in the present, giving thanks for the opportunity to be together and laugh and share each other's company. All 18 of us sleeping in blow up beds all over the house slept so soundly knowing we were together and knowing it would end soon. We ate, sang, drank, played games, took pictures, played instruments, ate again, told jokes, painted ornaments, drank coffee and ate some more. There was so much love and kindness shared that it seemed like a dream. We all know how blessed we are to have and enjoy each other but we do so by putting forth the effort and energy it takes to make these reunions happen. Everyone makes a little sacrifice for the good of the group. Amazing family I am a part of. <3
"Family is not an important thing. It's everything." ~ Michael J. Fox