I had passed through my hometown of New Orleans to visit my dad in March on my way back to Austin following the first year of my full time RV life. Little did I know I would return only a month later for his funeral. It was comforting to connect with family and my mom and aunts took good care of me, and my cousins and their kids brought needed smiles.

When I was growing up here, I was never particularly close to my family -- I was too busy being a rebellious and independent (a/k/a obnoxious) child of the 60's. Having grown at least somewhat wiser along with growing older, I appreciate having family, especially during difficult times.

Standing: From right to left: My Aunt Wilma; my cousin Pam playing the proud grandma holding Rene, Amber's son; Pam's daughter Angela (a great swing dancer, by the way); and my godmother, Aunt Loretta (Pam's mother - she doesn't look old enough to be a great grandma, does she?)

Sitting: Rene's mommy Amber (Pam's daughter)

It was the first time I met Rene. He's my cousin's daughter's son, so that makes him my what???

There's something about a baby's giggle that's helplessly contagious and we had a blast watching him crawl around enjoying being the center of attention.

The "Golden Girls"

Aunt Wilma
My Momma
Aunt Loretta