Sirias Family Reunion - June 7, 2008

The impulse to reunite the Sirias Family came about 2 years ago when I began to wonder where all the cousins were. If it had not been for aunt Debora who persistently sent me an Christmas greeting every year, I would not have acted on the impulse to even attempt to plan a reunion.

My father, Emilio Sirias, was the oldest of 4 brothers. His brothers were Joaquin, Eduardo, and Guillermo. All are gone now. The only remnants of the paternal side of the family are their children (cousins), some of the spouses (aunts) and grandchildren. With the passing of time everyone moves away and scatters. Family is that connection with those who have had some of the same experiences at some point in our lives. I believe that it's important to rekindle the family connection at different times in our lives. Our life experiences will then continue to grow in love and grace.

The reunion was indeed a labor of love. Becky became to me the lovely faithful cousin who always responded to my e-mails. Without Becky, our reunion would never have happened. Becky would tell me, "I'm working on so and so" and I'd tell her, "I'm also working on so and so." We didn't know what we were getting into, but we certainly knew that whatever it was, was something good.

David, my brother, offered us his Club House and his home in Forest Meadows, in Murphy's, CA. Becky's brother, Ed, came from Florida and sister, Veronica, came from Texas. Becky's husband and children, along with mom, Stan and grandmother were present.

David and my sister-in-law, Susan and their children, Taryn & Cole were present. My family included my husband, Jack, my daughters, Sarah & Gracie, son-in-law, Oscar, our granddaughter, Emma. Also present from Southern California were my sisters, Emma and Maria, Maria's husband, Ignacio and my brother, Emilio. Gloria, my friend/sister and Fanny, my godmother/cousin also came along.

Most of Emilio and Eduardo Sirias' children were present to enjoy good food, drink, song and company. Our family reunion was a success. Everyone participated in the spirit of family, love and harmony; making our family reunion a memorable event. It was the first of future Sirias Family Reunions - God willing.