Ohana Means Family

"Ohana means family and family means no on gets left behind."  (from Lilo and Stitch)


On Sunday September 12, 2010, the Perez family had their first family reunion at Bayside/Joinville Park in San Mateo, California.  The Perez family matriarchs and patriarch are long gone to their heavenly reward and the next generation celebrated this family.  My father, Cesar Perez and his sisters Ramona Hernandez, Graciela Castillo, Natalia De La Rocha, Maria Teresa de Boi, and Chepita Nevarez had their children and thus the many grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.  My two brothers, Sergio and Roger, were there, as well as the children, my nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Some relatives I've only heard of, while others I've known for years, though we only see each other at funerals primarily.
One of my highlights was meeting my sister Veronica's daughter, Selena and her husband, Julio Cesar and their kids Vianca and Vicente ("you can call me Chente.")  Selena has a beautiful daughter from a previous marriage, Vanessa.  As you can see in the picture to the left, the Perez family is rather large; and that's not the whole group.  My cousin Sandy did not show, neither did her sister Marylou.
I think this will now be a yearly affair and I am looking forward to it.  I know that each member of this vast family has its share of stories to share.  I hope to learn more about my family as I get older, and hope my story can be counted and told to future generation.

Family Night

Well, it was a wonderful Saturday evening. My Tio Abelardo came to visit for a week with his son, Abelardo Jr. The festivities were held at my Aunt Amanda's in Daly City. It was a family reunion of sorts. Of course, the last time I saw Abelardo was about 10 years ago, before the onset of diabetes. He looks tired now and very fragile when walking. The first time I met him I was 10 years old and in Nicaragua. He was a strong, chubby but solid man. He was a dairy farmer in his town of Boaco. Anyway, seeing everyone tonight was wonderful and a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane. Oh, we talked about everything...from my niece Tory and her antics in the 8th grade; Raquel wanting to go see a movie; Rudy and Ricky making me laugh with their silly asides; Roberta talking of travels to Hawaii, Palm Springs and the Dominican Republic; meeting Dave and his girlfriend Suzette. Turns out Suzette went to Sacred Heart/Cathedral high school and knows Angela O'Rourke and Olivia Perdices. Small world, isn't it?

As with all festive occasions, lots of food to be had. Of course, times being what they are, it was no longer the heavy fried delicacies and chunks of pork, potato, etc. Nowadays the menu includes baked chicken; chopped turkey in a delicious sauce with capers and olives; broccoli casserole, plain rice, salad, fruit salad...you get the idea. Of course, some things don't change...beer, rum and coke and soft drinks and apple pie, lemon meringue for dessert.

It was great to see everyone and share what is going on in our lives. It is sad because I have a feeling it is my Tio Abelardo's final trip to California. Aunt Amanda even commented that she believes he decided to come to say "good bye" to his family on the west coast.

Well, I cannot complain. Sometimes I complain about family, but on such occasions, all the bad things are forgotten and good times resurrect a happier time.