Happiness

Uncle Louie, my momma's older brother, married Auntie Ang (nee Jacklovich) in 1946. My grandmother looks very proud, standing next to the Catholic priest, Father Daniel Gnidica, the parish priest at Saint Mary's Catholic School and Church in my hometown of Pueblo, CO. Auntie Ang had wanted to marry in California at the San Juan Capistrano Mission.

Here is a google image of the mission. It was founded on June 24, 1797 by Father Fermin Francisco de Lusuen.

Auntie Ang wanted to be married there and the parish priest told her she would be excommunicated if she did. She loved that the swallows migrated there every year and loved California because two of her sisters lived there. She was quite a strong willed BoJon gal. I learned how to be more independent from her. Gosh I miss her. She was my shopping buddy and we went out to lunch all the time.

My grandmother's wedding photo. She lost my handsome grandfather Joseph in February 1927. He and their youngest son Anthony "Tony" were trapped and killed in a gold mine in Victor, Colorado. I often wondered how she managed to go on with five little girls and my Uncle Louie as the only man left in her phamily. I have their original marriage photo. Of course, you know Auntie Ang gave it to me. She knew I adored my grandmother. It is the only original photo of my grandparents that I have. I cherish it. I will  treasure it my whole life. It has the beveled glass and I can never get a good shot of it. But I am not a great photographer either.

My Tata Rose's wedding photo is on my new header. What a huge phamily portrait. I know she must have married in the autumn because Uncle Louie was born in May 1908 and my grandfather is holding him in the photo.

These beautiful ancestors of mine went through so many struggles and difficulties and it made them better and stronger. They picked themselves up and continued doing what they needed to do. So many today could take a lesson for all of our ancestors. They were strong and amazing people. Plus they were respectful and they had tremendous faith. I try very hard not to stray from the excellent values I was raised with.

My sister Mary and me. She looked like a real nun, very serious. My auntie Mary, momma's older sister, had a ton of All Saint costumes in her basement. We never bought costumes. Momma just sent us down the hill to Auntie's house. I am wearing my angel costume. Uncle Sam Cosimano created my halo from a metal coat hanger and tin foil. Kids today just don't know the fun we had without bankrupting our parents to buy a Broadway worthy costume.

This was my sister Mary and I just a few years ago. We were having lunch at the Cactus Flower Mexican Restaurant. In that restaurant hangs a 1930 something
baseball photo of the Water Brewing Company semi pro baseball team.

I know I have told you the story of my dad catching behind the plate when Babe Ruth came up to bat. My Uncle Rudy "Moon" Kocman is the team manager on the far right. Dad is the third player from right to left. Jacque Pechek a lifelong friend, said her dad is third player on the left side. She said he once threw to some guy named Satchel Paige. He said, Satchel wasn't all that! The artist who painted this photo is a  local  Pueblo artist Nathan Solano.

I posted this photos of my sister and other memories of my hometown neighborhood, BoJon Town. But my sis has had some health issues and I would appreciate prayer for her. Thank you.