Mi Familia

   I've said it before, and I'll say it a millions times over, my life is a series of fortunate events. The most fortunate of those events is the family that I was born into. I love my family more than I could ever describe. I am especially blessed to have had the grandparents that I had. Both sets lived within 2 blocks of each other, in the same town we lived in. Holidays were great! We could bounce between both houses with no problems!
  Tonight I want to focus some attention on my Medina grandparents, Grampa Ernie and Gramma Ida. I know you wouldn't believe it to look at me, but I am half Hispanic. I grew up eating fresh tortillas and tamales, pisole with chili colorado, and plenty of other delicious foods, made by my Gramma or my Mom. I often listened as my grandparents would converse with their family and friends in Spanish, completely oblivious to what was being said. When I was in pre-school I learned the months of the year in Spanish. My Grampa loved to show off my talent, and when he had a friend over would say "Come here, mi hijita and sing your song for my friend." I was never so proud as I sat on his knee and sang my little heart out. Once my Gramma was giving me a good talking-to in Spanish, and I was so mad that I gathered up my nerve to yell back at her, in Spanish. "TORTILLA!" I yelled, putting all my heart into it. I'm pretty sure that got me out of trouble...at least that time!
  I have so many found memories of my grandparents. I loved listening to them talk, and the way my name sounded with their Spanish accents. I loved the feeling of family and togetherness that came from them. My grandparents taught me what it meant to work, and to work hard. Some of my happiest memories come from them, along with some of my saddest. I lost both of my grandparents pretty early in my life-I was in 3rd grade when my grandpa passed, and in 11th grade when my grandma passed.
  It's been a long time since I've heard those soft Spanish accents, and the way my name sounds with them. It's been a long time since I've felt all of those feelings associated with that side of the family. A couple of weeks ago my Gramma's brother and his wife stopped by our house to visit. It was so nice to spend a couple of hours with them, reliving the past and feeling those fond memories. I am forever grateful for my Spanish side, and the wonderful memories that come from it.