Changes.

My four kids have always been in super different places in life, which has always kept our lives interesting.

I remember when Amy Kikita started college. It was the same year Jonathan started Kindergarten. Yeah. Kindergarten and college. With Lucy in grammar school and Adam in high school there was never a dull moment around here. 

Change is inevitable. Kids grow. They go out into the world to find their fortunes. They meet other people. They make new friends. They have adventures. They find their way in the world and add different kinds of cares (good and bad) into our lives as parents. 

So I mark the passage of time as I always have, by the ages and activities of my children. Eric and I find ourselves navigating some challenges that we hadn't experienced before. But that's what keeps life exciting, right?

And, yes, our kids have always been in different places, but this season totally wins as far as the most diverse changes for all of them. Read on.

Amy has moved to South Florida. Specifically to Hialeah. With nothing to hold her here in Southern California, she has struck out to find adventure in Hialeah to get her Cubanity on. She has a job, an apartment, and a car. We text multiple times a day, but even at those times, I'm acutely aware of the distance between us. I miss her desperately. (Shh! Don't tell her.)

Adam has ventured into marriage and fatherhood. He and his wife, Alysha live near us and we have the good fortune to see them on different occasions.

As you can see, our dinner table is still quite full. (Also, I'm trying to master the art of picnicking, but that's not important right now.) The faces around the table are changing. And I'm not just talking about the extra wrinkles that are adding *ahem* character to our faces.

Eric and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary on August 8th. We had a lovely, quiet dinner and recapped all of our adventures. We agreed we would say, "I do" all over again. We also decided that quiet and calm may be over-rated. We have also categorically reserved the right to change our minds.

I took Lucy to San Francisco to celebrate her 21st birthday. We saw all the cool spots in the city and even had a cable car adventure. All the while, I kept hyperventilating when I remembered that my daughter was now 21. "Deep, slow breaths, Mom."

Jonathan started his first week at the local community college (where Lucy is employed, by the way). He is taking theater classes and also going out on lots of auditions in Los Angeles. I'd tell you what exactly he's been doing, but then I'd have to kill you. 

Jon's first day of school photo

Last week, Adam and Alysha were blessed with the birth of their baby. A beautiful boy. My son has a son. Making me an abuela. (I had a dream in which the baby called me, "Wella." I'm going to go ahead and go with that.)

People, meet my grandson, Asher. I think this guy has changed my life forever.

So many changes. 

In between all these milestones, I've made dinners, and done loads and loads of laundry. I've visited my 100 year old mom, and gone swimming in pools and at the beach. We've hosted lots of outdoor movie nights and have attended concerts and baseball games. 

I know this post sounds like somebody's annual Christmas newsletter, but guys, this only encompasses the last 6 weeks of my life. 

A few months ago I might have said, "I hate change." But now I embrace the many and varied happenings and simply say, "Bring it." 

Life is in session. Amen.

Comments

[Esther]

So nice to read your blog. Yes, you have seen lots of changes, and they are all sooo good! Congrats to you all, especially to you! Reading you is a breath of fresh air. Abrazos.

[Susan]

Your life is filled with not just change, but love. In many ways it is love that has brought these changes. With no love in your life, there would be little change to report. With a heart overflowing, it's inevitable. May your heart always be full and the changes mostly awesome. Xo

[Lori]

You are indeed blessed Marta. Thanks for sharing. It is an honor to send out responsible, creative children into the world.

[[email protected]]

Amen, Alleluia Amen

[[email protected]]

Dearest Martica,

I have been reading your blog an uncounted number of years, maybe since the beginning of time. I have stolen recipes, reposted funny things (Yayo and Cuco come to mind) and have lived many thousands of things through your life and postings. But Mrs. Darby, this one did me in! The love that you show for Eric, Kikita, Adam, Lucy, James Bond (Jonathan), Alysha and now Asher is beyond belief. If anyone would want for a great mom, killer abuela, amazing wife and a pretty smart cook, that would be you!

Would you be interested in adopting a 64 year old boy!

[Maria Aguirre]

Congratulations abuela! What a blessing. The many changes in your life are all good. May you continue to be so blessed!!

[Aselahop@ yahoo.com]

So many blessing! My first grand baby is due in October, Lucy Rose! Sweet to see another Lucy. My First born couldn't say Abuela very well and it became Abi. My mother loved it! Wella is also sweet. I don't know yet what little Lucy will call me, but probably Grandma. ( I came to the USA when I was 3. So abuela , well, doesn't fit me :( ) you have a beautiful family.

[Mari Z]

Blessings to your new baby grandson and big congrats to the whole family

[Miriam]

Congratulations!...from one cuban abuela to another que bendicion!...many happy days ahead...mine call me "aba"...music to my ears!....Miriam aka "abuela nueva".

[Ada S. M.]

Ain't life grand?!! You are blessed Wella, mom, daughter, mother-in-law and a wodnerful wife...Keep counting your blessings..Best regards to you and your family...Amen indeed!

[MERCY COPE]

God bless them & all their different journeys :)
Kudos to Kikita---moving to Hialeah is pretty gutsy.
I have been working here for almost 30 years and won't ever live here LOL
Congrats on the new baby !

[Mary Anne Perez Firmat]

Congratulations on your new grandson! Welcome to the world of grandmothers, a very special, happy, place. Abrazos y felicidades,
Mary Anne and Gustavo

[Irma]

Congratulations Abuela, he's a beautiful baby!

Irma