“Feliz Cumpleaños” means Happy Birthday, but cumple means “you complete” + “years.” So the term is also used for death anniversaries or any anniversary, every time you complete a year… For example, on July 19[…]
Tag: Nana
Los Difuntos | 75 Palabras in Guatemala
Now I have heard of some strange things in my life, but tonight when my host mom told me we were going to eat breakfast with “the difuntos” in the morning and I googled “difuntos”[…]
The First Cry (It was gonna happen sometime)
It’s my first night with my host family. I am settling in to my first night here and I saw something that made me think of Nana. Well, a lot of things make me think[…]
Nana’s Ring, Conversations in Alaska: 11 of 50
“Okay Natalie” Aunt Sherri says as she flits around the hotel room in her pajama suit, juggling four things at a time like she’s rushed but can’t decide which thing to do first. She randomly interjects:[…]
1st Intro Peace Corps Call, Conversations in Alaska | 21 of 50
It’s July 15. It’s my Grandmother’s birthday. I’m in Southeast Alaska, the nation’s largest national rainforest. It rains 13 feet a year annually in Ketchikan. But today it’s all sun and civilized life as I[…]
Healing in Alaska: Mourning amidst the Majesty
It is a radiant eruption of sunshine here in Ketchikan. It’s not common that I’ve seen days this bright, this beaming. The sun is undressed and the mountains are pied: green and brown and gray,[…]
Conversations in Alaska: “We saw each other from across the room,” 43 of 50
“So how did you meet your girlfriend?” “Oh my gosh, I haven’t told you this story?” “I’m sure I’ve told you this story. Okay well forgive me if you have, you need to tell me[…]
Conversations in Alaska: “Sometimes I forget we are really weird” 46 of 50
I went to a friend’s house after rehearsal (this was weeks ago), July 20th. I needed to pick up fish to overnight ship to my dad, because we caught it on a fishing trip during[…]
Conversations in Alaska: “Everyone hates permanence” 47 of 50
Under the harvest moon of open mic night at Fat Stan’s, I shared with one of our naturalists that Nana’s passing has me thinking about getting my first tattoo. I’ve never wanted one, not seriously,[…]
Nana | The Tough Goodbye, Atlanta
Hours ago, I sat across from Nana and told her. “Nana, I have to tell you something bad and I know you are not going to want to hear it.” Her eyebrows lowered, her face[…]