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This week has been crazy at home. Our niece is turning 15 and was having her Quinceanera to acknowledge the milestone. If you are not familiar with this sort of event… I suppose it is like a “Sweet 16” celebration. It is a big deal! Dresses, flowers, dance hall, music, ceremonies, and much more. Like a wedding, many family and friends from Phoenix, San Diego, Tucson, Nogales, and various hometowns in Mexico were here for the event. That is where it becomes interesting! I am reminded pretty regularly, that my husband’s culture is very different than mine. I would say that at least a few times a month, I witness something that for the life of me, wonder how the decision/choice was made! The most consistent of these is a complete lack of awareness of time! At our house we call it MST (aka: Mexican Standard Time!). Yet, for Fito… He takes it all in-stride! I want to jump in and fix, control, manipulate, change, destroy, alter, put my foot down, etc, etc… Understand? I want it to be different… I want it to align with MY way of doing things! |
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I guess I am writing this, because, like any situation, there are two sides to every coin! I have also witnessed amazing, resilient love, care and compassion. I see family dynamics that allow for the characters that we all are, to shine through. I have seen examples of sharing, support and co-creation that simply blow me away. There is laughter and silliness at every function or gathering. Everyone is enjoying one another, except when they are not. They are acting like family! My mother, Ruthie, said yesterday… “In our family, there is less drama!”. Which made me really stop and think. The truth is… There isn’t any less drama with the McAlpine’s… We simply think we minimize our drama, by keeping it contained between four walls… And even then… The containment is usually an illusion! This isn’t better or worse… It is just what we are accustom too! The other thing that stood out is that THEY are my family. That is what happens when you love and commit to being with someone… There is much more to it than just your significant other. You take on the whole package. And last night as 250 of us gathered to celebrate and witness a young girl remove her sneakers and put on her first pair of heeled shoes, as a way to acknowledge her evolution to a young woman, I was humbled to be part of such an amazing FAMILY! Happy 15th Birthday Mary Helen!! You are beautiful! |
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