“We are all Walking Each Other Home” Attributed to Rumi

December 1, 2024. Ciudad del Plata, Departamento de San José, Playa Pascual, Uruguay.

Here, in the loving embrace of my nephew Carlos Alberto’s home, the enduring legacy of my dear brother Carlos Hugo shines through. I find solace and gratitude. It’s a privilege to return to this place, so distant yet so beloved, and to feel the warmth of unconditional love that Carlos Alberto and Leticia, his wife, share daily with me.

A special bond connects us, a bond forged through generations. An “auntie” role is a sacred one, a bridge between generations. As the song says, when we teach our children right, they learn to lead the way and fill the world with love. My great-grandnieces and nephews, their children, also call me “auntie,” a title that fills me with honor and a profound sense of fulfillment. It’s a testament to the enduring power of family and the importance of passing down values.

Today, as I sit by the Rio Uruguay, sheltered by the love of my niece and nephew, I’m reminded of the place where my journey began. A place where values, resilience, and the courage to start anew were instilled in me.

Soon, I’ll return to the United States, a nation that has become my home. A nation built by hardworking immigrants who sought a better life, a nation that embodies the ideals of progress, contribution, and honest pride. Yet, as we usher in a new year, uncertainty lingers. Will the sense of belonging and hope that once defined this nation endure? Will future generations share the same sense of optimism?

Ultimately, we are the architects of our own destiny. As the year draws to a close, I send love, light, and peace to all. I hold onto the belief that justice for all is attainable, even if the path may be long. May we continue to strive for a nation united, just, and free. And let us leave it to a higher power to decide if we are truly blessed with unconditional love.

Happy Holidays to all.

Love, Peace, and Light

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