Finally, we meet!

My sister, Monica, came to meet me last week for the very first time. Monica and her husband, Luis Carlos, and 11-month-old son, Sebastian, visited our sister, Ivonne, and her husband, Luis, in Teaneck, N.J. on Sept. 5. Monica and Ivonne were meeting for the first time as well. Together they drove to Tennessee to meet me and my wife, Debbie, on the 9th.
Even though we are worlds apart, having grown up in different cultures and speaking different languages, Monica and I are so much alike. We are educated, creative, have a zest for life, love to laugh and cut up, and enjoy a good hug. Our father had a total of nine children, and we are gradually coming together as a family. Lloyd Burwick died in 2002 and is buried on Margarita Island. He didn't have the pleasure of meeting Monica, and she saw him for the first time at his funeral. I had not seen him since 1966, and we last corresponded in 2001.
Even though he was not a good father to any of us, we will carry his legacy forward.