Sofie and Cortney arrived from Florida on Tuesday, November 20th – they took their time and were able to visit with family along the way spreading their cheer and love wherever they went.
It was so good to see them and spend time with them. It has been years and Cortney is so grown and beautiful! Oh my goodness - she’ll be 17 next week! The last time I saw her she was about 8 years old. There’s nothing like seeing children all grown when the last image you have had of them was when they were still young! It makes you feel old – and puts things in perspective. They made my heart glad and yes, we were silly, had music, had all the traditional foods and desserts, watched videos, and Luis and I surprised Cortney with a video of her 3rd birthday party which was celebrated just a couple of days before Christmas. During those days, both Sofie and Cortney would stay with us during the holidays!
It was so great to watch Cortney watch herself at that age! Sofie cried a little – it’s one thing to look at a picture of your child at 3 or any age, however, when you see the animation and wonder of this child and the sweetness – as we all sang happy birthday to her, the wonder in her eyes, the knowledge that it was for her, the smile when she blew out the candles and everyone cheered, and the excitement when she opened presents! It was awesome!
We also talked to Surei and Marisa, Stephen and the nietos several times - Surei hosted Thanksgiving at her home and Marisa and Stephen came down from Dallas for a few days! They spent an exceptional time together with lots of loving, food, laughter, tree trimming, etc! Sofie and the girls were able to catch up and it was great!
I was able to talk with my family in Puerto Rico and sister in California and even my brother whom I haven’t seen or been able to talk with since May. All occasion for giving thanks!
Thank you also to all of you who called me before, during and after – I so appreciate it.
It was a wonderful visit and Thanksgiving Day. Eventually though, Sofie and Cortney’s visit came to an end and the goodbyes started. After packing up some leftovers for their trip, some emotional hugging and love, they were gone! hmmmm…… I don’t like the goodbyes….. (I love the hello’s). It leaves you empty for a while – a bit let down if you will. But we communicated all through their drive back to Florida. They also made a couple of stops at family along the way to break up the drive. Sofie was the only driver (she did great!), so stopping and visiting with other loved ones helped break up the drive and allow her to rest and catch up to family - they were able to fill up on all that loving until they return sometime next year! And of course we always keep in touch with phones calls.
I pray that your Thanksgiving was wonderful and God driven.
Blessings to you and yours,
Mildred
