I’m in Hollywood for the Academy Awards. I’m up here with a long time friend of the family and her daughter. Paula was my brother Ray’s high school girlfriend back in 1969 and 1970. He was the quarterback and she was the cheerleader. Paula has been telling me stories about Ray and my family almost every hour since I’ve been with her. It’s so amazing. I’m hearing stories from her when I was 5-6-7 years old.
There are holes in my life that she is filling in. I always knew that my brother lived in Carmel and Monterey and LA and went to Jim Brown’s house for a big party in the 70’s, but that’s all I knew, just the simple facts that he was at those places. Paula, has spent the day yesterday telling me stories of all those years.
My brother Ray is 13 years older than me and died in 2004 (March 18th is his anniversary). I miss him so much, but Paula has been just filling in the “never known pieces” I had of Ray in the early 70’s and it’s been so special to me.
Last night at dinner, she handed over a large stack of envelopes of letters that were written to her by Ray and from her to Ray and from my mom to Ray and from Ray to my mom. Ray was only 20-21 years old during the time of those letters and my mom was my age that I am now.
When she told me what they were, I quickly said, “I can’t read those right now, I will cry”. But, as the dinner went on, I couldn’t wait, so I asked for them and read them.
I cried instantly.
I read letters from a woman who missed her son that just lost her husband and was raising little kids and telling Ray everything about her day.
I know that you know I love my mom, but I love my mom even more after reading those letters to Ray. My mom was struggling and missed Ray and her husband, MY DAD. She spoke of me as Tomas and how I just started going to school.
I don’t know, why this is all happening in my life where all these missing holes are being filled.
I’m crying as I write this, but it’s a good cry.
I don’t know why I was handed those letters. I don’t know why I have even more love for my mom.
I can’t wait for the Oscar’s to be over and Oprah’s taping, because I just want to drive back home and go down to Chula Vista and give my mom a hug.
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I know Paula’s sister Gigi….she was one of my sister’s BFF @ Hilltop Jr & High School…(Go Lancers!)
oops…I clicked enter before I was finished.
Tommy, you are so lucky to have Paula share family stories with you that you knew nothing about. There is nothing more beautiful than family. Have fun be safe and give your mom that hug that she deserves. She did excellent in raising you to be such a loving son.
Tommy…God has a way of reminding us ‘He hears his children’s heartswishes’….embrace all HIS gifts of abundance…Lights, Camera, Action! ;o)
You have such a true heart Tommy…….That’s the way I feel about my mom too!! They are a true blessing and when we get little reminders like you are getting, it makes it that much more special! Yeah for the special moms in our lives!!
I watched my own mother as she lived through a similiar period in her life. As a g’mother, I also have struggled as I saw my children and grandchildren confront life’s challenges. Please find comfort in knowing that you lift my days with your fabulous sense of humor. I encourage my friends to add you to their FB. After several years of as one of Jeff ‘Jer’s biggest fans … it was nice to find you on FB … it’s fun too … Tommy, thanks for it all … hugs to your Mom and save one hug for yourself …