thoughts of donuts and roses

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Our mom has always been a huge fan of the Rose Parade. When we were kids, we all traveled to Southern California to watch it in person. I know we watched it at least once, possibly more. So when I watched the Rose Parade yesterday with my daughters, it made me think of my family, and of Cindy.

I particularly remember a picture of her watching the parade. She was somewhere between four and seven years old, and her hair was permed (maybe she was younger). She was eating a chocolate donut, and I think she had gotten some chocolate on her face. That simple, somewhat random memory of her made me appreciate the parade even more.

thoughts of togetherness

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Happy 35th Birthday Cindy!

Every year on Cindy's birthday, our family always makes sure to take some extra time during the day to celebrate in her honor. Previous birthday blog entries have shared the numerous ways - both big and small, that we commemorate this special day.

This year, it turned out that we were lucky enough to share part of the day with the majority of our large extended family on the Rabuy side - more than 50 cousins, aunts and uncles. We all came together for dinner to celebrate the wedding of our cousin Raisl, and her new husband Paul.  

Although Cindy often had mixed feelings about her birthday being close to Christmas, I think that today she is smiling down from heaven, and is more than happy to share this date with Raisl and Paul. Their wedding is an additional reason to celebrate, and today was a wonderful opportunity for an even greater number of our family members to be together.

Congratulations and best wishes to Raisl and Paul. Your wedding is another reminder to be joyful on this date. I'm confident that Cindy is excited that you've added even more reason for all of us to come together and celebrate today.

thoughts of altar serving sisters

shared by VJ Rabuy, her sister

Cindy and I had quite impressive resumes as altar servers. We used to be regular servers at the eight o'clock mass, the earliest mass on Sunday. We once served for the midnight mass on Christmas Eve, only to turn around and serve the first mass on Christmas Day.

We were even able to serve at other churches, when we served at our cousin Nicole's wedding. I remember we even brought our own serving albs with us.

I wasn't too keen on the idea of altar serving at first. It was Cindy who turned me on to it, and let me see how cool it was to be able to take part in the mass. I have fond memories of serving with Cindy, as well as my cousins.