Concepcion's Big Day

"Conception!" I shouted.

"Oreen!" she shouted back.

We ran toward each other and embraced. Then she introduced me to her grandfather.

I hadn't given it any thought before, but this is our greeting. No one else outside the church greeted Concepcion with such exuberance. I must clarify; Concepcion has a large, warm and supportive family and many friends. Many people love her. However, since our trip to Israel she and I have a unique bond.

Concepcion turned fifty of Saturday. It was a grand celebration that began with a Catholic mass.

Two bands, one a sort of Mexican marching band prevalent in all the street processions, the other a loud, lively but very good dance band that played throughout the day, and into the wee hours of the next morning, or so I'm told.

Food and beverages flowed. I wish I had insisted on staying later, or made arrangements to return. Alas, mother Ruth wanted to leave after comida, and so I left with her. She's not a party animal, not very Mexican of her.

The last week or so

This is Chely. She turned five last week. Now when I ask, "How old are you?" she gives a different answer, four instead of five.

She's a quick learner, likes to correct my Spanish, is stubborn and a chatterbox.

I asked her what the stuff she had on her face was called - brillo - my new word - shine - as in the English word brilliant - yet another Spanish/English cognate. I imagine a great deal of sacrifice and love went into her outfit, everything coordinated, even the sparkles on her face were tinted blue.

Mexican people never miss an opportunity to party, and so on Friday there was a combination birthday/Valentine party for the children.

There was a gift exchange. Mothers drew names and purchased gifts. It didn't go well. One of the boys was given a truck that carried a few cars, a costly gift I'm sure. The gift the boy beside him got was two pencils. The boy who received the two pencils was heart broken and cried his heart out. My guess is the mother who gave him the two pencils was embarrassed either by her misunderstanding of the amount of money that should be spent, or her lack of money.

I purchased bus tickets yesterday for my upcoming trip. The Mexican first class bus system is the best in the world. I have found my rides on the buses extraordinarily comfortable. My senior's card gave me a 50% discount. Wow!