Good Evening and Happy Friday! Today’s feature goes to the Tabije side and our extended family. This side of my family is close in a different way compared to my Mom’s side ( Gomez Side, Day 13). Mom’s side has 11 siblings, so I was already close with my 1st cousins. With Dad’s side, there are only 4 siblings…but our extended family (2nd cousins) is very close. The personalities with both sides are different. Growing up, Mom’s side would play Mahjong and on Dad’s side, they played Pusoy. Two things that they both have in common is that karaoke and eating is heavily involved, and it always takes a long time to say hello and goodbye at a family gatherings.
When Dad passed away in 2016, we had his life celebration at our childhood church, La Verne United Methodist Church. The seats were filled at max capacity, as well as people standing in the side aisles and even outside. He was loved by many people. After the service was over, we had an outdoor lunch with everyone as we caught up with each other’s lives and shared our favorite stories of Dad. At some point I started walking around with my camera, taking photos of everyone. I knew I wanted a group photo with friends and both sides of the family because photographing this day is something my dad would have wanted.
The Tabije’s and Ancheta’s.
This photo is my generation of cousins. We don’t see each other too often- A lot of them I haven’t seen in many years. I don’t have much to say about them, except that I’m glad they’re in my life and it’s always good to see them. I’m not a fan of drinking Hennessy, but I always find myself wanting to take shot with them. Cheers, fam!
Before I put the camera away, I snuck back in to the empty church, talked to Dad again and took more photos of him and the church- This photo I’m sharing to you is the last one I took for the day and it put a smile on my face that day.
So, as I close this message out- Be thankful to spend this time with your parents. If they’re not in your home, send them a text, make a FaceTime call, do something. If they’re right next to you, give them an air hug or blow them a kiss (Coronavirus) and tell them that you love them. If they have passed away as well, you can always talk to them. Don’t do this for me, selflessly just do it for them, they will appreciate it- you’ll thank me later. Hope you have a wonderful weekend and be good to yourself! Peace and love to you.
JT