However, I still sense the delight that everyone experienced during this trip. I feel it radiating from my parents and Abuela as they recount their time in Kauai.
And I rejoice greatly in the celebration of Aunt Carmen's birthday. Upon this occasion, I here offer tribute to this wonderful woman.
She stands out for being a kind, loving individual. She constantly offers her love to those in
her family, even to me and all others in the Rubio family in Chicago. On special occasions in my life, she has sent
me notes and gifts, for graduations, and even an affirmation letter when I went
on the Kairos Retreat my freshman year of college. Her kindness and
love are extensive.
She is also a fun-going person. Her motto is “Party, party, party,” and that really speaks to her ability to keep a light-hearted, jolly atmosphere going.
She has such a pleasant personality, and that makes it particularly pleasurable being around her. I enjoy every moment I visit with her, especially when she’s with her sister, my Abuela Velia. I delight in seeing them together because they are like best friends, constantly talking over the phone, going back and forth across a 1000-mile distance to visit each other, going out and about doing things.
I have enjoyed visiting with her when she has come to
Chicago. And I have such wonderful, fond
memories of visiting her when I have been in Denver on three different
occasions in my life.
My best memory of her was during the most recent time my
family and I stayed at her home, which was back in August 2008, towards the end
of our family vacation week in Colorado. We spent a couple of days with her at her home
on Greenwood Boulevard in that fabulous city of Denver, CO. I was really excited about this part of our
vacation, having the opportunity to visit with her, and all my other relatives
in the Denver area, who make for such a lively bunch to hand out with.
Indeed, my excitement was bubbling the whole way from Pagosa
Springs to Denver. It started growing
even more so as we moved into the Denver Metro Area, turn by turn from the
Interstates onto the main roads. It kept
growing larger as we neared her house.
And then it all surged forth as we made the turn onto Greenwood and
pulled into her driveway.
Throughout the couple of days, she graciously bestowed her abounding
hospitality on us, as she did the previous two times, making us feel so welcome
in her home. She made us a great meal
the day we arrived: enchiladas made with ground turkey and flour
tortillas. And she treated us to
breakfast and dinner the next day. We
passed the time having many good conversations with her. Indeed, she made us feel so welcome and
comfortable for our stay.
I have that image of her beautiful person in her home emblazoned
in my mind as something so magnificent.
I look forward to the next time I go out to visit her, in her home with
the backdrop of the semi-rugged landscape on the edge of the Rocky Mountains,
in that crisp Colorado air.
Yes, she is such a wonderful, gracious woman. I am so glad God placed her in my life. And so I truly celebrate on this occasion.
So while I was not present for the celebration of Aunt Carmen's birthday with the whole group last week, I was still rejoicing greatly, especially as I went to Daily Mass that morning to give thanks to God for her and her presence in my life.
Happy Birthday Aunt Carmen! God Bless for many more years to come.
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