4th of July

I can’t believe I am out of the country today, as this is the first time ever on the 4th of July. I am surprised that I am feeling the same feelings as being gone at Thanksgiving & Christmas. I guess it was just another time in my life when I was spending time with the people that I love the most.
Oh, and the hamburger/hotdog/potato salad/macaroni salad & Apple Pie with Homemade Ice Cream Barbeque. And I almost forgot Beer.  The real American BBQ! Actually this is the only time that I can convince Rodrigo to not BBQ a steak.

Just days ago, I was cooking in the kitchen and suddenly; I broke out into the National Anthem like 3 times. What is going on? Then, I noticed the date… can you believe it? Subconsciously, I knew something special was going on.

Then last night, I was awoken by a loud noise. Brazilians use fireworks every time there is a Soccer game and their favorite team either scores or wins, so the sounds of firecrackers are common occurrence.  Anyway, I was awoken by a loud noise that I could not sleep through.  I looked outside and saw a beautiful display of fireworks; one after the other right out my bedroom window as if I was sitting on the grounds looking at the sky with my family and friends.  It was an familiar and timely sight.

So, Happy 4^th of July!!!!!! I miss you America!!!!!! 

O Tia

Tia (chia), this is what every kid including mine call the adults in their lives, In Brasil.  For men it is the same but with an o, Tio(Chio).  When I was first called this I was kind of confused and wondering if they were talking to me, every child says it even the kids that we meet playing at the park when they want my attention.   My first thought was “oh, the responsibility” that those words give to me.  So much responsibility and I don’t even know these children…it is like being called “God Mother”.  This responsibility (God Parents) in America means that if that child’s parents should die, one would have to step in as their parent.  For a moment I was overwhelmed. 

In America, I have never been called an Aunt (Tia).  My sister just had her first child and I am waiting to hear those special words from my nephew, Jaxon.  In my world, I changed with not only the grand responsibility of becoming “mommy”, but there is also a great responsibility of becoming an Aunt (Tia).  It is a role that I’m looking forward to more than anything else, helping to raise Jaxon and even my cousin’s children, because nothing on earth seems more important than these little lives.   And every little one needs a crazy Aunt. 

So, the story goes that when I arrived in Brasil, immediately I became Tia to every child.  At first I thought they must not be talking to me but now I know that this is their way of knowing adults love and that we will help, and for me a sort of social responsibility.  It makes me feel good to be called Tia and it makes me feel close to people even when I am not always communicating.   Children do not know and do not care; they just want to be loved and consequently so do I.