joy and sadness
I had just arrived on the east coast for my sister's wedding, when I got a call from my husband that his mother had died in Spain. It was not unexpected--she had been just clinging to life for the past year and could barely get out of bed or talk anymore. But of course, tears streamed down my face for my mother-in-law who couldn't have been kinder and sweeter to me all these thirty years. She was a vivacious Spanish abuelita who adored her family and grandkids. Her heart was wide as the sun with love pouring out non-stop. I couldn't imagine a better mother-in-law--thank you dear mom for your love and acceptance and generosity.
Abuelita Felisa with her grandkids in 2010:
But as life goes, the sadness of her death opened my heart wide to the celebration of my sister Robin's wedding. It was the most amazing wedding I've ever been to. Family that I hadn't seen for years came from all over the world and there was much talking and catching up on our respective lives. The celebrations began with Indian dancing on Friday night and continued all day Saturday with an ornate, lengthy, and quite amazing Indian ceremony, a shorter and very sweet western ceremony, and a joyous reception with much dancing to music from both the east and west. It was not an easy path to get to this point for my sister and her new husband--there was resistance from both families that delayed the wedding for years. But as the celebrations and rituals progressed to join the two, it was so apparent that everyone's heart was opening and by time the dance floor was full, I don't think many held on to their objections. Thank you Utpal and Robin for bringing so many people together.
Abuelita Felisa with her grandkids in 2010:
But as life goes, the sadness of her death opened my heart wide to the celebration of my sister Robin's wedding. It was the most amazing wedding I've ever been to. Family that I hadn't seen for years came from all over the world and there was much talking and catching up on our respective lives. The celebrations began with Indian dancing on Friday night and continued all day Saturday with an ornate, lengthy, and quite amazing Indian ceremony, a shorter and very sweet western ceremony, and a joyous reception with much dancing to music from both the east and west. It was not an easy path to get to this point for my sister and her new husband--there was resistance from both families that delayed the wedding for years. But as the celebrations and rituals progressed to join the two, it was so apparent that everyone's heart was opening and by time the dance floor was full, I don't think many held on to their objections. Thank you Utpal and Robin for bringing so many people together.