Erika and Joe Merla’s wedding
Sylvia Stein copyright 2018

Another Family picture
Sylvia Stein copyright 2018

Family picture 
Sylvia Stein copyright 2018

Last week,  my family and I attended my youngest sister Erika’s Wedding. I have to say, it was so lovely to be back home in my hometown of Brownsville, Texas and celebrate her special day with her now husband Joe Merla.

However, for me, the most special part about being at their wedding is being able to spend it with my family and friends.

Sadly, since I live in North Carolina, I do not get to see my mother Catarina who I talk to every day on the phone. But it is just not the same as actually spending quality time with her. I also haven’t seen any of my siblings, especially my sisters Erika and Francis. I also haven’t seen my brother Ramon from Odessa, Texas for about a year. The last time we saw each other was to say goodbye to my dearest beloved best friend Eloisa who was also more like my sister. I also got to see my two other brothers, Reynaldo and Efrain. It was nice to see my mother so happy. Still, it was sad not see my other brother Mark, due to other family drama that exists. I was still happy to see most of my family and also my Godmother Celedina (Eloisa’s mom, her husband Roland, and her beloved Aunts and Cousins). I also loved that I got to see my church family and friends. I really do miss going to Holy Family Catholic Church and the community of serving and helping others.

But the overall point of this trip was being able to share special moments with family and friends. And of course stopping in to see those that have gone from this earth, but are always with us, like my beloved best friend and Grandparents.

My sister’s wedding was so beautiful from the ceremony at church, to the fairytale reception fit for royalty. What I loved about it is how my husband and children got to enjoy time with my family from back in The Valley or El Valle.

From the music, the dancing, and the picture taking, we all truly loved being able to laugh and cherish these special moments which do not come often.

Yes it was sad not to have everyone there with us because of one thing or another, but what made it super special is being able to see my mother so happy. She is turning seventy on Monday and has endured so much. It’s good to see how strong and blessed she is. It was also wonderful to see my Godmother Cela, who has fought hard as well.

All in all these Memories with my family will last a lifetime with love and I certainly hope there are more of those to come.

Sylvia Stein pic of my sister’s wedding.  Copyright Sylvia Stein 2018

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Merla
Sylvia Stein copyright 2018

My mom and my husband at my sister’s wedding
Sylvia Stein copyright 2018

My sisters and me in the back.  Sylvia Stein copyright 2018