Cordova Descendent Family Reunion

PIC IS OF THE NAVARRO PART OF THE CLAN (minus Al Sr & Jenni...bathroom break)

Isn’t it funny how sometimes time, distance and circumstance just kind of peels away revealing the sweet fruit of life? I had a wonderful experience this weekend and I’m so thankful I was able to participate and just BE.

To clarify for those that don't know, Al's mom was a Cordova. She married a Navarro and while the Navarro clan clearly stands on their own, the Cordova's are a huge clan and are absolutey amazing people that I am PROUD to be part of.

As far as I know there have been two past Cordova Family Descendent Reunions in the past. Sad to say it, but our family has never been able to participate. Those who know me best know that financial situations over the years have been such that they’ve kept us away from these reunions. Previous ones were held in the Ventura area and frankly, that location made it virtually impossible for the AZ Navarro’s to participate. We’ve always struggled with money and barely gotten by so to think of taking time off of work and traveling all the way to the Ventura area with three kids was ridiculous. Well, when Al got sick family members wanted to make it easy for him to participate (knowing it would be his last) and were willing to move it closer to Tucson…either near the Colorado River or closer to Al’s dad’s home in Anaheim. But then he passed and the reunion still was taking place. To make it easier on Al Sr (my FIL), the decision was made to have it closer to him.

So what was once going to be ALL the AZ Navarro’s turned in to me, Alison, Lesley & Isa, hit the road to attend the reunion at Puddingstone Dam/FG Bonelli Park (whoo hoo….hang out place from my teenage times!!). We hit the road leaving at 6:30AM…originally planned to leave at 3:00AM…amidst a totally over packed Toyota Camry. Several stops and adjustments for a baby who doesn’t exactly like being stuffed in a car seat for hours upon hours, we arrive in the LA area and decide to go straight to Huntington Beach where so many memories are held. But wait…it’s the end of August…why are we freezing our asses off? Oh well, I fork over the 15 bucks for parking and we make our way down to Jacks. While I wanted strips with cheese (the fav) I ordered a slice of the worst pizza EVER and Les got her all-time favorite shaved ice treat. We took a few pics, Isla was hilarious with her new toothy grin and then we were back in the car ready to head to Tommy’s. Awwwww, Tommy’s. Such fond memories of that place in the ghetto of LA. Standing on the street corner at Beverly & Rampart eating a wondrous chili cheeseburger while standing along a little counter that juts out from the wall of the surrounding parking lot…well, there really are no words to describe the feeling. If you’ve been there and grew up with it then you know. Wow, I’ve really digressed. The traffic was so horrendous that we bypassed this necessary stop and went straight to our hotel. Next morning we got ready and headed the 4 miles to the family reunion.

It was AMAZING to see people I’ve seen 4 months ago, 1 year ago and THIRTY years ago!! We talked, we laughed, we ate, it was fantastic. The first bittersweet moment was when the “cousins” all posed for a picture. Al should have been in that picture. He loved his family so very much and while they were all arranging themselves, I could actually hear him yelling out “Just take the damn picture!”. He’d be so funny and enjoying it all.

I admit a couple of tears fell as I watched them gather and take the picture. When it came time to take a smaller family photo, his sisters were receptive to holding his photo during the pic. I hope I didn’t dampen the happy mood by offering his framed photo to them. The rest of the time was spent talking, laughing, eating and having a great time. Another little bittersweet moment occurred when a little trio of old Mexican men came by offering their musical services for the bargain price of $10 per song. Thankfully Andy paid the old guys and they played a beautiful little song that Al would have loved.


Before I knew it the day drew to an end and we were back in our hotel.
The next morning we headed to Alicia’s and spent the morning with family eating breakfast, looking at some emotional pictures of Al’s last hours and laughing at the events of the day/evening before and the ridiculous family that we all belong to. Then it was time to hit the road. It was nice to come back home, as painful as home can be sometimes, it’s still home. The place Al & I made TOGETHER, the place we were most comfortable, the place that brought us both together and the place that will always be just that….HOME.