San Guivi

Years ago I read a book from a news reporter I respect a lot, Jorge Ramos. The book, The Other Face of America, has immigrant accounts on their assimilation to American life. The one account that has always stood out to me was how one woman was getting ready to celebrate the day of San Guivi (San is Spanish for Saint) on a November Thursday. Without knowing she had heard wrong, it turned out in the end that she had confused the English word for Thanksgiving (sound it out) with the patron saint she was really to celebrate.

On that note, I want to say that I have a lot to be thankful for. I have an awesome family that always sticks together in the good and tough times. My family is happy and healthy and we're all growing together as a unit all the time. My dad always states that his favorite days are those when his whole family can get together and during grace this Thanksgiving, he mentioned that his birthday a week ago and this Thanksgiving were happy moments for him.

I also have awesome friends. They are people who are constantly growing and that I have had the privilege to watch growing for many years now. I also appreciate what I have learned from each one of them, and what I continue to learn from them.

Given that Father Chase, a Los Angeles holiday icon, recently passed away, and given the fact that he also used to teach at my current workplace, I feel especially appreciative about the freedoms and things I have.

Appreciate what you have, what you have had, and what you will have. Enjoy your long weekend America!