Winter Holiday Break

After nearly 8 years since I last saw my family and over 13 since I last visited Florida, this holiday season I took a two-week long vacation to visit my family in Homestead, Florida.

From start to finish, this trip has definitely made memories that will last:
I met new faces in my extended family. I traveled from Fort Lauderdale down to Key West. I visited South Miami, Coconut Grove, Bayside and the Florida Keys. I parasailed in Key West for the first time. I saw the length of the 7-mile bridge. I stood at the 90-mile marker to Cuba. AND I have the pictures to prove it. :-)

My deepest gratitude goes out to the people who made the trip possible:

Moises and his family - Tania, Christy and Vicky:
Thank you for welcoming us back to Miami after 13 years. Thanks for the yummy chinese food, fajitas and tamales as well as the scenic drive to South Miami. While my visit with you was short, it was memorable. ;0)

Parents - Lourdes and Erik:
You guys went to such great lengths to ensure I was comfortable and happy. Thank you for giving me the parental support I never knew I had; it was very healing to open to you and know you care. Oh, the food... wonderful. Mom: I promise I will get myself a pressure cooker and practice. I also hope your birthday was as as memorable to you as it was to me.

Sister Lorena and her family - Elizabeth and Jolie:
Thank you for taking time off your busy days to share time with me. I admire your vivaciousness and expressiveness and empower your creativity together. Your sense of humor and outgoing personality made my visit that more enjoyable. You rock!!! I will miss you very much.

Brother Erik and his family - Christy, Emma and Lily:
Thank you so much for your hospitality. Since day one I've felt connected to your family. Sorry for keep you guys up late at night listening to me yap. Thanks for making our trip to Key West happen... It was incredible and we should do it again!!! Thanks also for the drive-tour around Homestead. That sure brought back major childhood repressed memories... ;-)

Many hugs and kisses go out to Jolie, Emma and Lily.
Pass along that Uncle Josh loves them and misses them very much.

I've learned that I have a family in Miami that loves me unconditionally and accepts me for who I am today. I find comfort knowing that regardless of our pasts apart, we all look forward to a future together as a family.

All of you and those whom I've failed to mention, thank you all for making these past two weeks my most memorable family visit yet. Many blessings to all of you.