Memories

Remembering the waterfalls in Yosemite on one of our roadtrips:  Someone had me hold still for a moment to look at the waterfall (I don’t remember who because I had five various parents) they had me pause and listen.  I remember being surprised to hear the soft low rumble from so far away.  — Anyone

It's no surprise to anyone that knows me that I am an avid rules follower. When the light is red, I stop. Keeps life tidy and predictable. Our beloved Nani was an avid rules breaker. The light was never red, rather, a nice shiny glow of orangey-yellow. No need to stop. Many years ago when Nani asked

One of our family's most cherished camping memories revolves around Mom's adventurous spirit and her knack for surprises. It was a cold evening in Yosemite when Mom decided to treat Dad to a luxurious camping experience by bringing along a water bed. Little did she know, the weather had other plans—

Just like Nani, I have always been an early morning riser. My favorite memories when visiting Nani were getting to wake up when it was still dark outside, walking downstairs into the kitchen to the smell of coffee and Nani sitting at the kitchen table (usually with my Dad as he also loves to wake up

When I think of Aunt Arlene, my eyes fill with tears, tears of love and gratitude. My childhood was made so special by my time with all the Dean Family. I remember Uncle John would pick me up from home in his Toyota truck and we drive to the Dean home. I remember those drives, with such anticipat

I loved how Nani always let me be creative with her makeup and nails. She was and still is my bestfriend 🩷

One of my favorite things Mom did for us when we were children was assigning signature meals for each of us. Mine was Eddie's Spaghetti with extra red sauce. She also was never shy to explore exotic foods like golumpki cabbage rolls or the time she snuck leftover cow's tongue into my school lunch sa