Aug. 8- Kenedi and Leticia's Engagement Party

It's crazy how time passes. One minute we're in the backyard for her graduation, and the next our cousin is getting married! It's always such a blessing to see everyone and be together.

 

April 28- Thea Maria Died

I never knew Thea Maria taught at Glen Duncan. Jody took the kids to the funeral.... a little too early. But everyone was lovely and supportive. Aunt Alex tried to carry the coffin. The priest coughed a lot with the incense. It was long.

Thea Maria was a vibe though. In the olden days she'd throw wild Greek parties at her house and I loved to go there and enjoy all the food. I named a daughter after her. In Greek culture you name using family names.

 

Jan. 31- Kimmy's Birthday

 My cousin Kim is one of the most amazing people I know. She gives so much and is the definition of generosity. I sure do love her and was grateful for her special night at her beautiful home. She had a really cool gift idea where people bring a gift and get a gift in exchange. 

Jan. 16- Date Night with Jackie

We went out with George and Jackie to enjoy a meal together. My dad had gotten me a gift card and it was so nice. We ran into our other Greek cousin randomly.

 

July 19- Agia Thekli

My Yaiya gave me hope in life. She worked so hard that her back ached and knees were bone scraping on bone. She left Greece to bring her family to safety during WWII. She worked in a laundromat and didn't speak a word of English. She switched to Woolworths and Raley's and was on her feet 8-10 hours a day.  Because of her I had a down payment for a house. Because of her my kids always had muffins and toilet paper from Costco. Because of her I knew stability, love, and generosity. It's so hard to live without her. And my mother. But when I was on the ATV I could picture them in the same place, smelling the same sea air and living life free in the wind of the windy Greek roads.

I finally saw the home of my Yaiya Sofia. The earthquake had leveled it and a cat sat on a tractor among it's ruins. It was a pile of stones and a gorgeous sanctuary of plants and life, almost like the vegetation knew the love of that spot and went wild. I had a picture of my mom in this place. Now I have a picture of myself there.