What a difference a year makes, sweet Angel of mine. Not only can I not believe we are nearly half way through the third month of 2011, it is amazing to look back at the expanse of time and all that has taken place from last March to this March. So much. So very much.
To begin with, you were a little baby last March, Alina. Only two months old. A far cry {albeit just as loud!} from the curious, funny toddler you are developing into now…
But also, in March of 2010, you made your first trip to California for a very special occasion: your Tio was getting married! You were a perfect angel on the 4 hour car ride. I remember that we stopped once to breastfeed, but other than that, you slept peacefully to the rhythmic sound of the tires underneath. There is nowhere we would not have traveled to watch your Tio marry the love of his life, your Tia V. She is a blessing sent from God above, and I am certain you will look to her often as you grow into your womanhood. Trust in her and in your Tio, because your Mommy and Daddy trust in them too.
You also met many friends on this trip to Cali. You two were friends from inside the belly, but here are you and Aubree meeting, face to face, for the first time…
You got to spend time with your family in California, too. Your Aunies and Uncles on your Daddy’s side love you to pieces. And all your cousins were so excited to finally give you kisses. What a lucky girl! Your Abuela came to Las Vegas the day you were born, but this was the first time meeting your Great Grandma {we call her GG}. Oh goodness, does she love you!
And you met your Great Grandfather. Alina, my Papi loved you from the moment he knew of you. After you were born, I would send my Grandparents pictures of you. Little did I know, Papi would print them out and post them up around the house. He had a special area in his home where he spent time sitting alone and listening to music. In this tiny little area there was the a cd player, chair and your photos taped to the wall. That’s it. I could only image what he was thinking about…
I have to admit, this is really difficult for me to write. I am a relatively private person {even starting this blog has taken an enormous amount of courage}, but for the sake of documenting your history, I am compelled to do so. My Mom’s family is small and this loss is so huge. But just hours after this photo was taken, my beautiful Papi passed away. Almost as though he was just waiting for you, Alina. Waiting to see his family whole and happy. That was a year ago this March. You bring so much happiness to my life, sweet Daughter. Everyday has been such a blessing with you. But this pain is still quite poignant. Bitter. Overwhelming.
From March to March, how much things have changed. If there is anything I have learned in the last twelve months is that life continues to march on. Babies grow, love is lost, hearts begin to mend.
March. March. March.
