Coming Together....

Rachel rented a car and we drove from George Bush International Airport in Houston to where her Aunt Nivia (and god mother) lives--Texas City, Texas. Niv is the third eldest daughter. Once we stashed our belongings, Nivia offered to drive us into Galveston, Rachel's birthplace.

In September, 2008, Hurricane Ike smashed into Galveston Bay with winds up to 110 mph.

The 17 foot seawall did little to contain the rising flooding waters.

On the day of our visit, a little over a year later, it was a calm, beautiful day.

Huge boulders have been brought in to rebuild the seawall and beach.

In the warm, balmy weather, workers work 24/7.

The famous Flagship Hotel does stand but must be repaired and renovated.

Empty lots where homes once stood.

Renovated homes are placed up on stilts.

Our trip to Galveston was quick and we returned to Texas City to prepare for the family reunion. Here's another picture of the Murillo Family. Aunt Niv is standing in front of my mom, second from the left.

And here are the surviving siblings and children of Jesus and Jesse Murillo, a few years later.
From the left, Ray, Gilbert, Nivia, Ben and Mike.
Seated are Lu and Evelina.

Here are the first cousins/grand children; Rachel was the 7th born grandchild.

The great grand children.

Great, greats!

And then the "outlaws".

Happy meetings: Cousin Kim and Uncle Benny.

Chat, chat, chat, visit, visit visit. Good thing we have name tags!

These are Longhorn fans, or Aggie fans, or both. I can never keep them straight, but I do know that some of them are just a wee bit rabid about it....I won't say who.

There's always room for one more....Cousins meet.

Hello!

Aunt Niv was peddling necklaces and they were a hit!

Some were totally into themselves...

Others, like Cousin Nathan and Uncle Gil, into family history and connections.

George, Aunt Evelina and Rachel...

A brave new boyfriend...will he be an outlaw some day? Only time will tell.

A family tree captured the entire clan...

So much to say, so many to connect with...

Yummy food--barbecue of course!

Texas champagne.

Uncle Gil shares the family history and (tries to) educate the family .

Uncle Ben listens and is pensive.

Aunt Evelina shares her views...

And Uncle Ray adds his portion.

At sunset, George and Yvonne led a short ceremony to remember and honor all those who have died. Our reunion is less without them but they will always remain in our hears and minds. Four Diaz names were read: Manny, Ofelia, Michael Edward and Angela Carol.

This is 1912 Church Street, Galveston, Texas. The home of Rachel's grand parents. She told me many stories of memories she has of the grand old house...Like sliding down those outside banisters to sneak out at night...Here it is newly renovated with Uncle Gil standing before it--If this house could talk....

All things end. Here we are getting ready to leave. Once again, Rachel refused to let me drive.

Once over my driving huff, to break the ice, I asked Rachel what were the highlights of her visit and trip.

ME: Rachel, dear, what memories will you take with you?
Rachel: Well, there really was so much. I loved seeing Galveston again and staying with Aunt Niv. But if I have to narrow it down I would also say the people connections and avoiding political conversations.
ME: Political conversations?! Why what ever do you mean?
Rachel: Well, before I left I promised myself I wouldn't talk politics. It's easy to do at these Murillo gatherings...I'm not going to change minds and my mind certainly won't be changed. Four times political conversations came up and each time I was able to side step them.
ME: Yes, Dear, I do see what you mean. Well done! It's wise to sometimes plan ahead. The connections of the heart are always better. Can you say more about those connections.
Rachel: Many of the people I saw were people who helped raise me and had such an influence upon me. I could write a chapter on each one of them. Then there are all my cousins, some I was so close to, others I feel close to now because we are all on the same family tree. My aunts and uncles-- I love them all, very much.
ME: Is there anything that you want me to add to my blog?
Rachel: Just that I am so glad I went. I thank Melinda and Tom for opening their home and all their incredible hard work. To all the others who helped, Donna, Aunt Lu, many others, I'm really grateful...I love the cookbook and Uncle Benny's book with Grand Pa's art is so great to have. So many people worked so hard on this. Uncle Ray, Janet, and Anna Mae sprang for the food...
ME: I'll be sure to add that....but for now, please keep your eyes on the road and stop trying to see what I am writing...I don't want you to miss our exit.