I don’t know exactly where I read it amidst all the Covid-19 reading I’ve been doing in the past weeks, but one article said to consider all the people in your household as one person. Because if one person left and came back or came into contact with another “person”, all the people in both households would be possibly exposed. This idea to me was somewhat comforting. That you decide who the “you” is and you function in some ways as a unit.
Right now my “you” is me and my partner. My nuclear family was four kids, who I’ve spoken to on the phone in the past week. This has me thinking of my mom’s family, especially since some of the most interesting pictures I’ve found are of the Garcia family, who were 15 kids at their largest. Again, my mother was the oldest.
I was luckily able to speak to my Grandma on the phone today, thanks to my Tia for connecting me with my Tio who is taking care of her in Texas. Their “you” is Grandma, their kids, and their grandkids. My Tio is the third oldest [corrected by the 2nd oldest]. He’s been retired for four years and he is able to take care of her. I tried to confirm that this pic with my Grandma and Grandpa and one child is probably my mother. Not yet confirmed. [confirmed by sister and aunt]
Also, here’s question for all of you. Do you also have older pics in front of cars? This seems to have been a thing. As we can see in these pictures of the Garcia family growing.
Here’s where I could use some help. Ten kids pictured here. Is my mother the tall one to the right? And yes, this is totally New Mexican cowboy. Even a toy horse!
Here, clearly we see nun Norma in the far back right. How strange is this staging of a picture? Is Norma behind that glass panelling? Love how my Grandma and Great Grandma are at the front! And we have some teenagers.
Here are two from several years later when many Garcia kids have started having their own families.
I tried to get how my Grandma and Grandpa would have taken to my mother dating my father, who was white and significantly older than my mom. She said my mother had dated before, but hadn’t taken to anyone like my father. She said she just wanted her daughter to be happy.
These pictures are hard. Five of the children pictured here have passed. Three of them being the youngest.
Also, just noticed I photobombed the last pic! btw I totally remember that sweater/skirt/tights/white shoes combo and being super happy with it.
Here’s the last photo I know of my mother with her siblings. It’s my Grandma and Grandpa’s 50th wedding anniversary [correction: 45th wedding anniversary]. I’m pretty sure she is the one that put the images of the three who had died so early as part of the family photo, but maybe it was someone else. I am sure she wasn’t happy about her picture, but this was up at our house, so I’m sharing here.
As we all try to deal with what matters, what we can and can’t control, and death around us, I think about you. This Garcia family has prepared me for these hard times, and I am thankful for it. I do pray, for all those I love, and for a society that takes care of one another, even when not related.
Maria Lopez says
Sundi
You ask Grams if she accepted Tia (your mom)dating Tio (your Dad). One of the things I remember about our Grandparents they loved unconditionally ❤️. That example made a huge impact in who I am today ! Do you agree ?
Also, I remember asking about that pix where the family went to see Tia at the monestery (spelled wrong). The Catholic religion was and is dry. They couldn’t be happy and excited to see Tia. It was taboo! Look at their faces.
I love that your doing this !
I know my Tia is so damn PROUD of you !!!
Sundi says
Yes! Grams has always been ridiculously caring and non-judgmental. It’s actually kind of amazing. Funny also that she is all smiling in the convent pic, but you’re right, everyone else is super serious.