Being thankful for family during the holidays

The holiday season is one time of year when many reflect on what they feel very thankful for in their lives. I recently had an opportunity to visit with Adriana Astorga, who works at Pala Mesa Resort, and enjoyed hearing about the blessings she has in her life. I encouraged her to write in, so it can be shared with our readers.

“I am extremely thankful for my wonderful, loving family, but most of all, my mom, Mary Ratcliff, and my grandmother, Marina Ramirez.”

“My grandmother was a widow at the very young age of 35 and raised her nine kids alone. Not only do I respect her strength; I value her morals, wit, integrity and most of all, for never giving up. There are now 25 grandchildren and 22 great-grandkids; I am the oldest.”

“My fondest memories are of all of us cooking and baking together in my grandmother’s kitchen for Christmas. We would all help to make tamales, buñuelos, capirotada (bread pudding), and atole.”

“I would take in the days of waking up to the lingering smell of canela steaming from the kitchen.”

“Now that I am older and love to cook, I have tried my best to carry on these traditions. It’s so much fun and I hope my kids will carry this tradition on with their own families.”

“Our family has grown so much over the years that I am very thankful to my aunt Rachel Kanamouie and uncle Shary Kanamouie, who now host our

big Christmas celebration in Orange County.”

“I am also very thankful to my aunt Diana Portillo and uncle Joe Portillo, who always invite us to their home for Thanksgiving.”

“We all bring our specialties to share with our big “familia,” trying new dishes and enjoying each other’s company.”

“Our day consists of praying together, sharing funny stories, listening to music, eating, sharing cocktails, sipping wine and relaxing.”

“Now the memories have carried on with my mom and her grandkids baking her famous sugar cookies.”

“If I was asked if I wanted to change anything about my family, I would definitely say “No, I am glad I wasn’t raised with a silver spoon and very honored to say everyone in my family has worked very hard for everything they have.”

“I am completely blessed with my family. We love each other unconditionally and I am very grateful for each one of them.”

– Adriana Astorga