Today my mom celebrates her 96th birthday. 96!!
I took photos of her with everyone at her party the other day.
As I was sorting through the photos, I realized that she has contributed to quite a few lives. Six children. Sixteen grandchildren. Seven great-grandchildren. Not to mention spouses and close-enough-to-be-related family friends.
Here is an incomplete portrait of her direct descendants. (There are some grandchildren scattered in various parts of California, Texas, Florida and Idaho, but that's not important right now.)
She has at some point in their lives rocked and diapered and cared for each and every one of the following people:
Adam:
Al:
Alex:
Alina:
Amy:
Annette:
Ben:
Daisy:
Frankie:
Helen del Carmen:
Helen:
Jonathan:
Katie:
Lucy:
Miriam:
Marta:
Natalie:
Nicole:
Ofie:
Quinny:
Raphael:
This is only a portion of my big, fat, Cuban family (in alphabetical order). But those represented here are all directly descended from her. In our veins runs that same feisty blood. =D
It pleases me to be able to wish my mother a Happy 96th!! Birthday.
Thank you, Luza, from all of us. May you celebrate many, many more!
BFF says
Very moving post. Kind of “it’s a wonderful life” feel. Happy Birthday Luza! Hope next year is as full and exciting as this one was! Have a great trip. Can’t wait to hear about it!
Lori says
So much joy on her face. What a blessed life!
Maria Eugenia says
What a wonderful tribute to your mom! I will be anxiously awaiting all the news about her trip to Cuba.Muchas felicidades Luza y que tengas un buen viaje!
Ody says
Very nice post Marta!!! What a wonderful legacy!I only have one question, Quinny? ๐
Mica says
What a beautiful family! As we Cubans would say, “Que orgullo!”. She looks so happy, you cannot ask for more.xoxo
Marta M. Darby says
Ody,Quinton Garcia. The 5th grandchild on both sides. (El Quinto. I know. Shut up.)
=D
Kelley Foulk says
Yeah! Felicidades, Luza.Marti, can you photoshop me in there…?
I miss everyone!
Marta M. Darby says
Kelley,We miss you, too!
Hmm….Photoshop….*hare-brained scheme starts to form*
Love you,
Auntie M