Spit test have been taken and sent for processing. It is adorable to see how excited my abulea is about doing the DNA test. She never thought about it really but after listening to me over the years and really getting to see it this summer, she has gotten the bug! Having her here is a poignant reminder at how quick the years go and how precious family is. Now that my daughter is older, she, my mother, my aunt and my abuela sit around the table drinking coffee, eating flan, telling stories and listening to music. Last weekend, I secretly taped my abuela dancing to "Vivir Mi Vida" and threw it up on Instagram. She has no clue but when I tell her, she will be thrilled becuase she loves life and sharing her joy! I see how I got my sense of humor and love of laughter from her. While my daughter doesn't really get ALL her jokes (because they are in Spanish and slightly over her age range) she gets enough to enjoy how much Bisabulea Nery enjoys herself. There is something so humbling and fantastic about four generations sitting around the table in my mother's kitchen. I can't imagine what my abuela thinks looking at her daughter, her granddaughter, and great-granddaughter. I imagine it is overwhleming and comforting to know she has left a beautiful legacy.
My abuela arrived last week from Puerto Rico for her annual spring visit. It is so lovely to have her around that I wish she would just stay. Although that would make life easier for all who love her, we know she will never leave her home, her sisters, her fruit trees, her land... I can't say that I don't understand why. Her first night here, we went right on to my mom's laptop and began to show her all of the documents I have accumluated. I wasn't sure if she would understand how I got them or if they were legit. Turned out, she didn't ask one question, she began pouring over them, asking for the next! After 7 or 8 it was late because everyone began telling stories bewteen documents about people she has long forgotton. We discovered that her great-grandfather never wore shoes but once a year and we laughed and laughed because my daughter would do the same if she were allowed. By the end of the night she made me promise that I would print out every document so she could take them back to share with her many sisters. I was so excited that that SHE was so excited! As a genealogist, it's what I live for - making others feel a connection to the past. After my promise to her, she promised me that she would take the DNA test along with my mom so that I could have more information to work with in tracing our ancestors. By Friday, the tests had been ordered and now the waiting game begins. I am 2 steps closer... |
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August 2019
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