LOOK AT US NOW!!
My sister decided to get officially married this last weekend and in less than 2 weeks in a joint effort, we created a beautiful experience for her. For being such an unexpected almost no-notice event, we managed to accomplish so much….even my older sister came down from so far away.
It has now been 11 and 12 years since my Dad and Mom died, respectively. When they died, we all came together and swore we’d always be there for each other. Well a lot of years have passed and so naturally there have been a lot of ups and downs. LIfe experiences, marriage, children, etc have all affected and molded each and every one of us. We’ve been through so much, sometimes not speaking to each other and sometimes having better allies than others.
This picture, however captures beauty and love that only siblings can share. Whenever push comes to shove, we all come together…..but not only then as this picture depicts, we also come together for happy times.
Each one of us had our own special relationship with our father and our mother, and they with us. Though they treated us all the same and we had to abide by the same rules, they guided us and showed us how to live our own life, individually according to our very own personality and with others since not only did have a large family, but we had to survive in this world.
So as I look at this picture, I seriously have a deep love in my heart for each one of my siblings. I am fortunate that our parents taught us that family comes first and the love we have for one another supersedes any anger, hurt, offensive arguing etc because through thick and thin, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health we are like a marriage…joined by blood forever and ever!
And now we are fortunate to have in-laws that have been brave enough to enter this family unit of ours…..and I for one am very grateful for them and those that have yet to come. Men and women who keep us grounded and who help pick up where Mom and Dad left off. Our lives are as unique as it gets and yet as “Salazar-ish” as can be. I love you Mom and Dad for giving me the start to life that you did….for giving the knowledge I needed to survive my earlier years, the life experience of watching you to learn how I wanted my life to be…..the love in my heart to be compassionate towards others……my strength–physical, mental & emotional to deal with all that life throws at me….and for giving me all my siblings to continue to learn from, both older and younger than me. I love and miss you but “take a look at us now!” I hope that when you look at us all together it makes you smile so big from above….because I know it makes us smile down here—hoping!
Coffee, Wine, Sleep, Repeat 
Life has a way of keeping us “busy”. It’s important to keep your family extra close. This post reminded me to call me sister 🙂 I know your parents are looking down and smile. Again, great post.