Tata

That's what we call our maternal grandfather, Tata.
My mom is the oldest of eight. She's the one that's the closest to him and she's the one that takes him to his doctors appointments. My Tata has always been a very independent man. He's 92 years old and still drives .... that is until just recently. He is quickly looking a lot older ... more worn out, as if his time is getting near each passing day.

Several days ago I received a text from my sister Claudia saying that Tata wasn't looking good. That lately all he does is sit on his couch and stare at the wall ... with a blank look on his face. My mom asked him if he wanted to watch tv but he said no. A few days later he complained about a headache and was taken to the hospital.

picture taken by my sister Claudia

He had an MRI done, they drew blood but everything came back normal. He's also still eating. So they sent him home and suggested he should be seen by his primary care doctor. I haven't called my mom to see what his doctor said. I'll call her this afternoon.

My grandma died a very long time ago. Before I was even born.
It's sad to get to that age, alone. And although he has five living children now he still spends a good amount of time alone. My mom can't be with him 24/7 and my other two aunts live in Los Angeles. Two uncles live across the border and not sure if they have passports. Another uncle lives about fifteen minutes away but my mom is the only one that sees him the most since they live almost next door to each other. My Tata has a lot of grandchildren but I doubt any of us call him on a regular basis and I am guilty of that as well. I have sent him cards and pictures of the kids some time ago but I know it's still not the same as picking up the phone and having a conversation, no matter how brief it may be. I wonder if he still remembers me. I should ask my mom if he still remembers family. I did ask my sister if she visits him and she said she does. That was comforting to hear.

I have a feeling that this may be my Tatas last year here with us. I pray it's not. We hope to visit home this year. I just hope that God doesn't call him home before then.

Grandfather's 90th Birthday Celebration

This day was dedicated solely to assist my Mom in anything she needed. I knew she would be super busy and I wanted to be able to help her out as much as I could. My Mom is the type of person that always but I mean always goes out of her way in everything. Always making sure that everyone is well taken care of and somehow she always looks her best even when she's the most exhausted.

We woke up around 8:00 am, got ready, ate breakfast and began preparing the party hall. I got the kids ready and off they also went to help their grandparents. Jacob watched Riley and was only called upon when needed because I knew he had to keep the little guy entertained.

My sister helped with the few decorations. I helped out with setting the tables, washing containers, utensils, stirring the yummy cheese for the nachos, and stocking up coolers with ice and beer (yeah). In the meantime family from L.A. were arriving and it was sure nice seeing them all again after 9 years.

While I was busy setting things up Jacob and Nathan began messing around on the piano. Jacob can play a little plus that kept Riley entertained.

My Mom (wearing the black shirt) and my aunt were busy chopping up carne asada, chicken and tripas (which I do not like) before the party started.

Yummy carne asada ... in a taco with some salsita, guacamole, onion and cilantro and some frijoles de la hoya ... Rico!!!

My sister giving Riley some sweet mango.

Here we are with the guess of honor ... my grandfather or Tata, that's how he's known by.

Riley's pose .... freaking HILARIOUS!

With my grandfather and siblings.

Mmm ... cake. Seriously, there was soo much food that we had forgotten everything we had. There were a couple of salads that were left untouched as well as desserts. I guess that's what happens when you get overwhelmed with everything that needed to be done.

Riley was looking up at a balloon.

The sombrero that Jacob was wearing was part of the decorations. What a goofball.

The party was a success. I chatted with several of my cousins and aunts and caught up on lost time. One of my cousins works at a prison. She's a tough cookie. It was great to see all of my aunts and uncles, my grandfather and my parents having such a great time with one another. I was sure taking in every scene because things don't ever stay the same ... got teary eyed a few times especially when we sang Las Mañanitas (Happy Birthday) to my grandfather. Made me appreciate my family alot more. It was also a bit sad because there were two of my Mom's siblings that are no longer with us. I couldn't help but remember all the good times we had along with them years and years ago. That's part of life I suppose but it is never easy. I do want to end this post on a happy note. My grandfather is a very stoic man, very cold and hardly shows any signs of emotion but I like talking to him and I know he likes the company because he makes conversation and laughs with me at times. You will always see him with sunglasses on even indoors. You know these old folks are so set in their ways but you know what ... that is exactly what makes them - them, unique, special and I love my grandfather. I know he enjoyed himself at the party. I saw him smile on several occassions and THAT is what I wanted for him on his special day.