Saturday, April 29, 2017
<p>I will always treasure the wonderful memories of my Aunt Anna, Tia JaJa. Tia introduced me to the Spanish culture: the foods, the language and the love. I remember learning Spanish, never being corrected because she said I was "chula" (cute in Spanish). I walked around for years using improper and mispronounced Spanish words. No one understood my Spanish, except my Tia JaJa. "Ay tan chula," was Tia's customary responses. Tia pleaded with her children to eat. I remember her saying, "Rey, Blancie, Brunnie, Kitty, por favor..." She never had to beg me. By then, I thoroughly loved her Spanish cooking and would eat whatever she gave me. I trusted Tia. I admired Tia. I always felt loved by Tia. I was her Casita, a name she called me, and no one made me feel more loved, more accepted than my Tia. I know many would agreed: When Tia hugged you, you felt it. When she smiled that contagious smile, you smiled back; and, when she laughed, you laughed too. Tia was always young at heart. She loved God and her children immensely. She was full of life, a great dancer and always ready for the next song. Tia will forever dance in my heart. Te quiero mucho Tia...ahora y siempre. Dance with the Angels, Tia, I know they too love the Salsa.</p>
