The childhood memories of our family eating, playing and talking together have lasted through more years than I can count. I recall visiting on my own with Aunt Rose, Uncle Diran, Cousin Mimi and Carol in Miami. Carol called my parents back in Mass and asking if she could bring me - a tweenager - to visit a friend's family horse farm... in Puerto Rico. I dont think my mom needed a phone for her response to be heard all the way in Miami.
Our complete family, Sarkis and Maritza (Saradarian) Esperian, and their young son, Martin (my father) - so very lucky to have escaped from Armenia - and traveled to an unknown world and life in America when they did. They, and their American born daughters Rose and Elizabeth (Betty) are our family and our ancestors. That first MaryLee and now Carol are with them makes me smile through my tears. We grieve for our loss, but heaven gains another bright, shining star. Until we all are together again, on a sandy beach with toes in the sand.
I miss you cousin Carol.