Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

Today I am thinking about my mother, not because Mother's Day is next week, but because yesterday was Cinco de Mayo. My mother's family is from Mexico, you see. Every Cinco de Mayo I reflect on my heritage. Who would have ever guessed a surfer from Venice, CA (my dad) and a beautiful "Latin Lover" would marry one day and produce ME!
That blob on the left is me!
I went to visit my mother and father over Easter last month. They retired to Oregon and love it there. It's so green and wet and different from southern California. As we drove through their neighborhood I said outloud to my dad, "I still can't believe you guys live here! It's so different from the O.C." He said, " Yes, but it's beautiful isn't it?"

My mother has slowed down these past few years. I noticed on this last visit that she doesn't talk much anymore. But one day she surprised me with this comment:
"Vivian, Mi casa es su casa."
I'm sure she meant, Make yourself at home, which is what 'Mi Casa Es Su Casa' means. But literally translated it is: 'My house is your house.' I laughed. What a funny thing to say! I told her, "That's exactly right, Mom!"

You see, about 15 years ago, I bought my parents house. At times it seems strange to think I am living in the house I grew up in. But Yorba Linda is a wonderful place. So, litterally My house is my Mom's house!

However, I'd like to show you where my mother lives today. This is what is looks like in Oregon, where her casa is now.
My BabyBoy went for a walk nearby. Very different from the O.C., where my parents lived most of their married lives.
When once they were surrounded by palm trees, this is their backyard today...
On a dresser in the guest room my mother displays dolls. She loves Shirley Temple!
Although my mother is an artist, it has been many years since she picked up a paintbrush. Hanging in her home is a painting she did.
Throughout her home there are many pictures of family, especially pictures of my sister who passed away after a long battle with cancer.
On one wall, my mother hangs a drawing of the McCune mansion, my father's ancestors' home. And next to it are childhood pictures of my paternal grandparents.
On another wall hangs a lovely picture of the church hymn, Come, Come Ye Saints, including a picture of William Clayton, my great, great grandfather who composed it.Throughout my mother's home there are many things that represent our family. Probably one of the most touching things I saw was a little wallhanging I made for my mother in 1990. Those were the days I was hand quilter. I made this little wallhanging with six hearts to represent my mother's six children. I couldn't believe she still hangs it in her home.
I was so happy to go to my mother's home. And to be reminded, "Mi Casa Es Su Casa."

15 comments:

Yvette said...

Thank you for sharing. If I could get a job in Oregon like the job I have here I would move in a heartbeat. It looks absolutely peaceful and beautiful

Gari in AL said...

Lovely.

Martha said...

What a wonderful heritage! I saw the McCune Mansion the last time I was in SLC. Wow! It is a beautiful house.

merrily row said...

What a lovely tribute to your Mother's love. This is a memorable post that you blessed the rest of us with a glimpse into your family.

dee said...

What a blessing it is to have family like yours Vivian.
Believe me, not having that changes the whole tenor of your life.
Thanks so much for sharing.

Sherri said...

I just love this post...I had to come back and read it again before commenting! What a beautiful heritage you have on your maternal and paternal lines! And Oregon is so gorgeous! I remember visiting an Aunt in Portland when I was about 14 and thinking it was the most beautiful place I'd ever been!

Mark and Stefani McCune said...

What a great post about your family! I feel so blessed to be a part of it. :)

Debra Dixon said...

Wonderful memoirs!

Dawn said...

What a rich heritage you have!! I adore the painting your mother did!!

Material Mary said...

Vivian, I love how you tell the stories in your blog. I really liked this blog where I learned so much about your heritage. Sweet.
Mary

Valerie said...

Thanks, Vivian. It's nice to feel at home wherever our parents are.

The Ward Family said...

Happy Mothers Day. Congrats on the call to New Zealand. That is Micks dream vacation spot. Maybe someday we will get there.

Suzanne said...

Wow...quite the family genealogy you have & such a nice way to display it..Happy Mom Day

Emily Lynn said...

Thanks for the pictures Vivian! It was nice to be back at Grandma and Grandpas for a minute- virtually speaking!! By the way, I LOVE that you live in their old house in Yorba Linda! So many good memories there! We should name that house the McCune Mansion 2 and always keep it in the family :)

LaVonne said...

I love the first photo of your mother. She was a very cute little girl. I just really love your family. I feel blessed to have known your family all these years.