The last week has been a series of mini-reunions.  Coming back home to Washington was important to me.  I briefly saw my parents and siblings back in May on an extended lay over from Honolulu to Puerto Vallarta.  I wanted to see them before we took off on this adventure.  I am not sure how I did it but was able to convince Richard that it was a good idea.

I could spend this entire post talking about my parents and my sister and brother and their families.  For better or for worse we are stuck with each other, and now Richard is tied into that fabric.  It doesn’t matter how far away we are from each other, when I need them, they are there.  When they need me, I am there.  I may be a world away or an entire time zone away, but they are my light.  I watched my parents struggle in the US and have to raise two daughters not knowing anything about this country.  I helped raise my brother, I still see that cute, sweet, rambunctious little boy that used to figure out how to escape the house when we turned our backs.  I am happy we spent time with them and I hope they know that they are always in my heart and I hope they are as proud of me as I am of all of them.  Richard, Mateo and Brittany survive hurricane Garcia when we are all together.  My nephew and nieces finish this puzzle.  I could also spend days talking about them. I hope Izzy is able to read the blog and find inspiration in our travels and wonder of where in the world we are.  The girls are a bit young, but when they are old enough, I hope they take the time to read the blog and know that though their Tia and Tio are not physically there, we think of them often.  Their smiles brighten up the darkest room.

As I quickly type this in the SeaTac Airpot – I can’t help but think of my high school Latino Literature teacher.  I had café with him before leaving Yakima – Mr. Bodeen asked me if any of my peers could relate to what I was doing.  Anyone I went to school with.  I thought about it, and at the moment, I didn’t think there was.  Besides my sister, I think Yeimi and Maria understand.  They grew up in the Valley, lived in Seattle, and returned back.  We tend to think that the Valley doesn’t offer anything for those of us that want to grow.  I see my friends, and I think perhaps, we were wrong in that thought.  The thought is to be successful you need to leave…I think it takes a lot to go back and give back to the community that helped you become, well you.

I don’t know where we will end up at the end of this journey.  I am very grateful for the support and love my family showed us while we were there.  Gotta board this plane!  Pa la proxima!