Lizzy visiting with Tita Norma last January in the ancestral home.
The most feared telephone calls are those that, though sometimes expected, come early in the morning.
Today, we learned that my mother's 79-year old sister, Tita Norma had died. Which makes me even gladder to have made the trip home early this year with the girls. We saw her dance on the street with the old ladies at the Sto. Nino fiesta, her flirty old self peeking through the shell of illness slowing her down. We heard her demand to have a photo taken -- and please make sure she looks great in it! The excellent cook that she is, she will have her best party in the next few days because as she requested, and as our culture dictates, there will be plenty of food to feed family and friends at her wake.
Sadly, we'll have to miss the party. But we will always remember you fondly, Tita Norma.
Give her eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on her forever.
