Sisters

Sisters are a good thing. And I count myself fortunate to have several! I know I've mentioned my sisters Diega and Jozi here several times. And I've spoken of Pitas (we call her Petra). But did you know I have a fourth sister? Her name is Susan.

Pitas and Susan grew up in the Philippines. They have the same father, but a different mother than Diega, Jozi and me.

Until recently I had never met my sister Susan as she had not been to the U.S. before and I have never been to the Philippines. I remember as a young girl hearing about my two sisters in the Philippines. I always wanted to meet them but so far they were a mystery to me.

One day as a teenager I was walking home from the school bus stop and a taxicab passed me heading to our home. Taxicabs are extremely rare in Nisqually Valley so I was very excited to see that one was heading to my house. I had heard rumors that perhaps my two sisters might come to the United States. I envisioned that perhaps that taxicab contained my sisters coming to visit. Excited, I ran all the way home. The taxicab contained a sister, all right. It was my sister Diega who had missed the school bus. My Dad was at work and my mother doesn't drive so the taxi was the only way for her to get home. Diega was in a bit of trouble!

In 1980, a few years after the taxicab incident, Pitas and her husband Obet moved here and made their home in Renton - close enough that we could see her fairly often. Their children soon followed and eventually Pitas' mother came over too. Although we didn't grow up together it has been a real joy to get to know Pitas and her family over the years. They are great people!

Fast forward to a couple months ago, the day before my great-nephew Niko's first birthday party. Pitas called me on the phone. We had not spoken in a while and she was apologizing for not having called me earlier. Well no need to apologize, I too had been busy and had meant to call her. At first I didn't realize she was saying that because she had something to tell me. You see, Susan and her husband Freddie have moved here and are now living with Pitas, Obet and Pitas and Susan's mother! She was calling to tell me because I would get to meet Susan for the first time the very next day. Wow!!

And indeed I met Susan at Niko's birthday party for the first time. It was really great to finally meet her after so many years. I liked her immediately, and as many in the family had told us, we share a family resemblance. (We both look like Dad.) Our meeting was a bit emotional for both of us as I'm sure you can understand.

We got to see Susan (and Pitas and the whole family) again on Saturday when we attended niece Pam's wedding. (Pam is Pitas' daughter.)

Here is a photo taken at Niko's birthday party. From left to right that's Pitas, me, Walter, Pitas and Susan's mother, and Susan.


And here's a beautiful photo of Susan and Pitas all dressed up for Pam's wedding.


Welcome to the States, Susan. I am looking forward to getting to know you better!

(By the way, Pam's wedding and reception were wonderful and I will share pictures as soon as I have a chance.)