news

Today was a marathon day!!!! Got up at the crack of dawn, drove to the cementery to bring flowers to my mother's grave and then went back home and pretended to be asleep when my daughters came up with a whole red carpet "breakfast in bed" production. I got a pearl from Tiffany, cards, a cake and of course a strong cup of Argentinian "yerba mate" (Nope, I don't drink coffee anymore... we ran out of our private stash). Then, we drove to the ranch in Tahachapi, our little get-away place and went straight into town. We planted our garden the whole afternoon with petunias, daysies and other flowers, in addition to basil, cilantro, peppers and all kinds of tomatoes. I was whinning about how we have missed the Spring, just to be reminded that this beautiful season just began in our ranch. Lots of wild flowers, frogs, fish in the pond, birds of every color and the oaks are full of leaves again. There will be plenty of BBQ's, walks, runs, solitude and just family time. And yes, the lonely duck is still around. Unfortunately, the goose who used to be his companion was killed by the wild-life, he became too trusting and was zapped suddenly.
As I celebrate, my hard-earn mommy title, my kids and I reflect on those children who have lost their family by death, illness or divorce. I understand their pain at a visceral level, but I also understant the pain of a mother who is suddenly ripped from her child, by death, illness or poverty. A childless mother's pain is unfathomable to us in the West, but in place's like Africa is a daily occurence and to annoint the hopelessness and despair in each and every child who is left behind is truly how Mother's Day should be honored. Thanks Moms all over world. Mommyhood is a sorority I am so fortunate to belong. More children perhaps in the future for our family if it is in the cards... Ah-Ha!!! Now I got your attention! a Pipe dream sor of speak, but a worthwhile pursuit.
Happy Mothers Day to Mary the mother of Christ, my mother who went to heaven last summer, my real Mother Marissa (my father's widow), Lourdes, my super-mom sister Mireya who is sending her first one to Med School in Tulane in the Fall with a full scholarship and all the remarkable moms I have the pleasure to meet every day at St. Theresa amd everywhere I turn. You inspire all of us mere mortals!!!