As that day came to an end; we each wondered if my grandfather would show up. Although we never truly got the answer, we decided to head south. You know like the birds do! We traveled an additional 6 hours south to Rio Grande. This took place the following day.
Now let me go back just a couple of hours. My aunt Erika called her mom and asked about my grandfather. They went back and forth for several hours and we all thought the plans were resolved. All of us had the impression that by the time we got to Rio Grande the next day my stubborn grandfather would be there. OH! One SMALL detail I forgot to mention; he had no idea I was there. I was the big surprise.
Okay now; as we depart from my Aunt’s house around 9ish or so (maybe later), everything seems to be working out as planned. Mid way my aunt calls her mother and asks if my grandfather is there. To all avail the man decides he doesn’t feel like going! This is 3 hours into our drive!! What in the world! I closed my eyes and prayed. “Lord I don’t know the plans you have for us, but can you at least tell me if this trip is supposed to be about me learning more patients!?!?” This is when I truly understood the meaning of “Prayers are Bi-polar”. My aunt Petra wasn’t happy about it either. I couldn’t tell you what my aunt Erika thought because HELLLOOO I just met her. At some point during the remaining 3 hours my grandfather decided he wasn’t coming to Rio Grande. He no longer felt like it. After all, my aunt (remember he had no idea I was there) traveled from CA to see him. During all this chaos I continued to read the bible and pray. Besides “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”!
Fast forwarding a bit; we arrive and my grandfather is nowhere to be found. My aunt Petra decides that hey, “if he doesn’t show up tonight we’re going back to Houston and that’s it!” So okay, she was a little mad. Me; well hey I got a chance to meet family and also get a glimpse of my dad’s childhood. I was okay with whatever came up.
Let me explain a little of my grandfather’s wife before I go on. The woman that I knew as my grandfather died 20 years ago. She was my grandmother. Of course, my grandpa’s first wife died when she was 23. She was the mom to my dad and his siblings. Obviously I never had the chance to meet her. My grandmother was Tencha. You know I always hated that name! I’m sorry but I still do! As I was saying, man I have a hard time staying on one topic. SHEESH!! So the lady that my grandfather is married to, well her name is Marina. If you see that name you now know who I’m talking about. Marina and my grandpa had a daughter named Erika. I’ve already mentioned her name several times. Now I’ve really lost myself.
I must read what I wrote and continue with my story…..reading….still reading…ahh, okay back on track! Marina called my grandfather and told him what my Tia (means Aunt) Petra said. That is when he decided, “Okay I’ll go”. Marina had to drive 1.5 hours into Mexico and my grandfather drove 2 back to Rio Grande. Mind you he said he couldn’t see well at night. Yes he finally caved but not one bit of him was happy about it all. UNTIL…he arrived at the house. I was in the room where I couldn’t be seen. Once I got the cue to come out; I did. He stared for what seemed like an eternity and than caressed my face. He told me how much I looked like my dad and he was actually happy to see me. This coming from my grandfather; was like WOW!!! We were lucky if he even decided to say hi to us when we were little. I totally took advantage of those words. It was nice to see him and I do think the feeling was mutual. He’s in good health and looks exactly the same as he did some teen years ago. That picture above is him sitting in the living room in Rio Grande. I’ve been praying for his salvation daily. He, himself, told me he isn’t saved. I believe that the Lord is still giving him sometime. I look forward to the day that he calls us and says he has accepted Christ as his personal savior. We ate tacos that night. He talked about my dad; me too. It was nice to hear that he still thinks about his son…I really miss my father.
I feel like I was actually able to forgive my grandfather for not being there when dad died. He’s never been a loving man, but I saw something different…stay tuned….
Oh yeah we didn't go to bed till 2ish in the am..
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