Devember 8, 2018
As children we all anticipated that magical moment of opening our gifts; either Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. With Christmas lights twinkling, music playing in the background and the wafting smells of the steam from the tamales cooking, all redolent of memories of Mi Familia. Now this was not a quiet home we all ran around like chickens with our heads cut off; so excited. As the adults looked on filled with pride to be fulfilling our dreams.
Now, my magic of “unwrapping gifts” is being with Mi Familia, for the holidays. Indistinguishable to the unwrapping of a Christmas tamale.
I must admit I always get a bit sentimental during this season thinking of all my family and friends that have left us. I’m sure many of you also reflect with fond memories. All of this reflection and introspection got me to thinking of Mis Abuelito’s y Mi Mama (but I must admit Mi Mama never leaves my cabeza) and their value.
It brings me sadness that we have lost that connection with our elderly…..our Abuelito’s. I sit and reflect on how this happened and realize that because of the way we now live, family’s are far removed living in different cities or states mostly due to jobs and careers. Another reason I reluctantly state is I don’t think we “value the elderly” like we did when I was a child. I know my maternal Abuelito’s and extended family were very important and instrumental in our development. They teach us, love us, discipline us. I once read that Abuelito’s never die, they are invisible, but always in our memories. I know mine live on in my memories. I loved listening to Mi Abuelito’s storytelling about their past, our family, how they got to where they were and their dreams and desires for all of their “nietos.”This is just one way that grandparents can share and preserve their family history. Respect, love and value them while they are here. They are treasures like unwrapping gifts.
Abrazos
