[Canela]

My day, today.

I spent it cleaning and preparing for tomorrow. Then after a long hot bath and some tylenol, I was persuaded to go to my mom's where the big "tamalada" was going on. My aunt's were there, my mom's friend and me. I took my place at the table and started spreading the masa onto the husks and just leapt right in to the conversation like I've done for so many years throughout my life. The only thing missing was my beautiful Guelita.

I missed her so much today. They were speaking of her and saying all sorts of things she didn't ever say...lol...it makes me sad that they didn't know her like I knew her. Then I sigh and I thank God that I got to know her in her last, best years. That she was my best friend, my mentor, my counselor (not that I listened much back then) and most of all, my mother. For all the years I complained about my lot in life at being left to my grandmother because my parents were off seeking their own goals...I would give my right arm to have her here one more day...to share in this holiday and the great Christmas present I'm getting...I sit here and realize how blessed I've been.

La extrano, Guelita...en paz descanse. Feliz Navidad