Home from home
I'm back home in Los Angeles, from being at home, in Puerto Rico. Funny how both places are home. I just got in from a 7 hour flight and I have this sadness of already missing my family. I went to PR for my parent's 40th anniversary party; and boy what a party. My brother and I were saying how it might have been the best party we've ever been to. Let's see 180 people were there. It was at a fraternity that my father belongs to, where many of my childhood birthday parties were held. I knew almost everyone there, as they were old friends of my family. The doctor who gave birth to me was there. The doctor who saved my life at 15 when I had a car accident was also there. My cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmother, my neighbors.. there was so much love in the room! So many people came over to tell me how much they love me, my mother and my father. A gentleman came over and shared stories with me about my grandfather! What a gift! I was in a state of gratitude and bliss, surrounded by so much love, and wearing a designer dress!
So, back to the party- there was a famous pianist, playing some of my father's favorite songs. Then at 9PM sharp my brother thanked everyone for coming, everyone took their seats and then I gave a speech about my parents. And I KILLED it!!!!! It was funny, it was sweet, it was moving- my parents were cracking up at one moment and then in tears in another. It went so well! Part of it was that I'm used to speaking in front of crowds from teaching yoga- I mean, as much as you can get used to that! And part of it was that I really just worked so hard at it, spent weeks and weeks trying to get the tone right. And then I would sit and meditate, visualize the moment. Lastly, as I spoke I tried to remember my intention: to honor my folks. I made sure to breathe, to look at my viejitos as I spoke. The word viejitos literally means "the old ones" but it's one of the sweetest terms of endearments to call your parents in Puerto Rico. I love my viejitos so much and I wanted to honor them and tell the world how much they have given to me and how generous they are. They both are, in their own unique ways, two of the most generous people I've ever met. In fact my parents eschewed gifts for donations for Casa La Providencia, which is a house dedicated to helping women rehabilitate from drug addiction. How amazing is that? So far their party has brought thousands of dollars to this cause.
And back to the party! Then we had five different succulent dishes. And lastly, my parents brought a special surprise, Carlos Aponte came and delighted us with his singing. For those of you who watched "America's Got Talent" this season, Carlos was the Puerto Rican who riveted audiences, and got standing ovations from the three judges in the beginning of the show. He was so humble and sweet. Many were singing along with him. He ended with the famous Andrea Bocelli song and we were all crying!
What a night!
AND my mother- bless her heart- set me up on a blind date and it turned out to be one of the best surprises of the evening. The gentleman was just awesome and sweet, funny and kind, and so good looking! I can't remember the last night someone opened car doors for me and helped me to my seat. He was lovely and comfortable in his skin. But he lives in PR and I live here so... Who knows! All in all, such a great trip.
I'm sad to leave, I am happy to be home.
I look forward to having my body arrive soon!
And to rest and tomorrow teach my first class back.
yay!!!
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Sounds like the perfect trip! One thing I know from living far away from my parents -it teaches you to appreciate them all the more!
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