What I should have sent in the Christmas Cards...

I guess it is customary in the United States to send Christmas cards along with a letter retailing the events lived in the previous year. As always, I have failed to send many Christmas cards and I have not caught up with the “last year’s event recount letter.” I thought that maybe I should send an email today on Christmas Eve to wish you all a Merry Christmas and to let you in to what we have done during the past year. Still, the more I thought, the more I discovered that it is not only what we have done but also what I have witnessed and what my friends and family have accomplished that made me happy during 2008.

I will try to tell you in as few words as I can, just how wonderful the year 2008 was for me…

A husband recaptured his wife, and a wife found a safe place to rest. Three sons regained their mother, and a mother wept the happiest tears of the last two years. A woman traveled to find the tenderness of her mother, and a mother reclaimed the only daughter she has. A sister overcame a horrible illness and moved on with a life of happiness and love. A sister believed, saw her miracle happen and now will share her love with her new daughter. A sister found loss and then amazing confidence that led her to love herself, love her children, and open her heart to a wonderful man. A sister found the comfort and tranquility that she lacked in the love of her daughter. A sister allowed herself to be vulnerable and gave love a chance. A brother welcomed a new son into our family. A brother demonstrated that he was able to take care of himself allowing his mother to ease her fears. A brother reached out to a brother that had waited his call for 4 years. A sister hugged and kissed a sister that she loves as her daughter. A mother rejoiced to see all her children share together without conflict. Finally, a sister spent time with a sister and got to know each other better.

As for me, I have returned from a war that scarred me emotionally but upon my return I found the love and affection of my husband, sons, family, and friends that have been supportive throughout my difficult times. I gained a sister during that war and I will always keep her in my heart for the experiences that we shared there are what they are and only we can identify with them. I have grown more appreciative of life and my family. I thank all those that by being good or evil to me have made me realize what is important, and what is short term. I have experience incredible pain, deception, selfishness but also compassion, love, and true friendship. I have gotten to know my sons again and they are happy. I am witnessing a young man finding his way into his teenage years, an eight year old discovering his potential for greatness and a four year old battling between being Mom’s baby or a big boy. They are reason I make all the sacrifices I have to make.

I wake up every morning and thank God, the stars, nature, and destiny for my family and for my exceptional husband who has demonstrated incredible love, strength, and loyalty. He is an integral part of me and I am happy we have grown together during the past decade. Trace, I love you. Stephanie, Tommi, Erin, Courtney, Katie, Edna, Zory, Millie, Meg, Joleen, Cuca and Mom, (to name a few) thank you for your continuous support. You exemplify strong women and are truly amazing. Dave, you are the longest lasting friend of this family and we miss you and appreciate every single thing you do for us, your extended family. I love you very much. There are many other of my friends that I love and cherish (Jodi, Dawn, Char, Michelle[x2], Christine, Alexandra, Dana, Ingrid, Sheila, Sonia, Blanca, Lily, Elaine, Jamie, Susan, Tenielle, Yoana, Rosemarie …) and I want to thank you for another year of friendship and good times. To my brothers Luis and Togui, I hope the next year brings nothing but happiness. I wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wherever you are. I hope that like me and my family you also get witness something amazing the next year and all those to come.

And Once Again, Changes...

Yes, I have been thinking about changes again. The reason? I am back to the place where I learn to be the person that I am today yet, I cannot identify myself with the changes in the culture.

I was born here in Ponce, Puerto Rico. We lived in a decent neighborhood but it was very humble and simple. There where things that were pounded in my head as; be respectful of your elders, be kind, work hard, be proud and help others. I have taken those rules along my journey through the U.S. because I thought that was the best way to honor my heritage. Now, after living here for almost six months now, I discover that the new generation of Puerto Ricans are much different than my generation or those before me.

I love this Island, I love the culture I grew up in. I love the customs and traditions, the old wives tales, the food, the celebrations and the pride that emanates from every Puerto Rican. Today, I ache for this Island because it has been neglected by the very people that say they love it.  I am tired of seeing young men thinking that being "Billy bad ass" is the most important thing to define your manhood. I am tired of seeing young women thinking that they will be more attractive by showing as much skin as they can.  And while they are so concerned with their image, they dump trash along the highways, rivers and beaches ruining the beauty of the Island.

I used to live in a place where I was "different" because I listened to heavy metal while everybody else listened to salsa and merengue. Today, most of these young people listen to reggaeton which, in my opinion, is a spin from hip hop and has nothing latino or traditional about it but the mere fact that they sing in Spanish. When I am in the States and I hear salsa, I want to jump up and dance and it excites me because it is the music from my Island. When I hear reggaeton, I despise it as much as I do rap.

I am not saying that there is no hope for this Island but what I am saying is that I wish they would be less of a Newyoricans infected with the hip hop culture and be more Puerto Ricans proud of their traditions and willing to keep this Island safe, clean and friendly.

When its cold in the states...

 

We are out at the pool in the sunshine enjoying the weather.

Should anyone choose to come hang out with us, and you are all welcome -- I suggest the winter months ... it is beautiful down here!

The weather in the winter is a constant 80 - 90 degrees everyday.

The summer on the other hand ... I don't recommend it down here unless you like being reallllly hot. In fact I miss being at home in Washington State in the summer baaaaad.

All is good here. Cpt Hill is going to be promoted in a year or so to Major, which will be great. The boys are doing great and the future is bright.

Peace!

 

All 3 boys played basketball this year. K is on the high school team which is realllly cool and the little guys played on post. Soccer season is here and I'll coach Tboneys team. I get to coach a lot while down here on the island. It'll be fun.

 

The guys wear uniforms to school and all three are doing well. K is taking advanced classes and T was moved up to an advanced class. V is getting used to school in Pre K. He will ride the bus next year with his brothers.

 

Vance in Pre-K

 

Trace with his buddies at lunch.

 

The guys still rock out weekly. They have about 8  or 9 original songs. We are working on lyrics and we hope to have enough "The Missing Link" music by the time we leave to make a recording/cd. It's a lot of fun and the guys are talented.

 

So when Vanessa comes home from working hard and takes her boots off, we get to go out back and jump in the pool on Christmas etc. COME JOIN US!!!