Amuma says yes to her family.
Amuma says yes to knowing deeply about her kin. The way she shows her love is to talk regularly about your activities, what you're up to, your passions, what you do for work. Amuma always knows the updates of each of her children, grandchildren, nieces & nephews, and their children. Need the lowdown on Spunky, Luci, or Tia Kim and Gary's whereabouts in the west? Ask Amuma.
One of my greatest and most recent memories with Amuma occurred last winter. Molly and I were leaving when Amuma pulled out the old family photo album and gave us a full photo supported family history on the carpeted floor by the fireplace. I loved hearing about the man who loved Amuma Luci and treated her kids like nieces and nephews, but respected Luci's boundaries. I loved hearing stories of her brothers; only Uncle Joe I knew with his big truck. Everyone seems to have loved Uncle Frank.
Amuma says yes to a lunch date. Every Friday growing up she'd pick me up from school and take me to the classiest fast-food places - The Golden Arch's, BK, or Wendy's. A happy kid with a happy meal later, we'd head back to the Sycamore house and play in the yard, or the closet of toys she'd collected. I'd bother papa Cal in the dark kitchen while he read the paper. I remember twice walking onto the back patio, thinking the screen door was there, but it wasn't and face-planted on the concrete. I remember eating basque red beans on the little kitchen table, which had ruminated for hours before in the garage, making the whole place smell of home. I remember dad telling me about when Amuma Luci used to live with them in the Sycamore house - a true multi-generational American family led by a matriarchal immigrant.
I've always loved going to Amuma's. She still takes me out to Eddie's diner, Be De Nay, and once the Mexican joint on State. We chat about everything - school, teaching, Molly's family, the cousin's, my amazing blended family. When we're lucky we're joined by my sister, Molly, or a cousin. In college, during my Amuma visits, I'd earn my keep by trimming a hard to reach branch, doing a paint touch up, or re-fastening exterior trim.
Amuma says yes to a good time. I used to LOVE Christmas Eve at Amuma's, especially when the Eugene crew came out. Rolling around with Meg, Luci, Spunky, and Aidy was the best, and we were always watched over by the half asleep Amuma Luci in the big white chair by the tree. Kid friendly egg-nog, solomo, and eventually clams and rice stuffed our bellies before Amuma Luci's infamous flan and pears in wine sauce. I know Amuma had many holidays as the sole Boise rep at the Williams/Johnson residence in Eugene too. She's always been good at visiting.
As the grandchildren have emerged into adulthood, the best memories have morphed in style, but not in essence. Tara & Barb joined the party as the Christmas Karaoke nights began in full force at the Betts Residence. Amuma would partake in the singing, dancing, and earnest compliment giving throughout the night. Like the rest of us, after a few glasses of wine, her singing may have left something to be desired, but her presence didn't.
Amuma says yes to dogs. I know there were more, but Chapo, the little shit(zoo), was the first to my memory. Like the later Chico, they were close companions of Amumas and spoiled rotten to the bone. Now there is Bella, the beautiful, brilliant ray of sunshine that graces Amuma with her presence at any beck and call.
Amuma says yes to crosswords & 12 almonds every morning. More need not be said.
Amuma says yes to love. Most young children, as I, don't pay much attention to the love lives of their elders, but I know Amuma fell in (and at times, out of) love with many wonderful men. Jett, Cal, and Jim were all grandfathers to me in one sense or another. I remember playing cards and golf with gentle Jim and I could tell he loved Amuma dearly.
Rosie once told me that her best friend was her mother. The first 20 years of my life I rarely saw Amuma Luci without Rosie until I could drive myself to see Luci separately. They always spoke basque to each other. I thought it was so cool that my Amuma Luci first spoke Basque, then Spanish, then a bit of English. We went grocery shopping at Albertson's together, Luci would shop for herself, I would stick with Rosie. They had their shopping routine dialed. We would drop Luci back at her place at the imperial plaza and I would eat a lemon drop from the glass bowl.
Amuma says yes to life. The Amumas of the family were staples that raised us all. They gave culture, depth, and traditions to our family that will live on as long as their lineage does. We love you.
Amuma says yes to her family.
