A Mother's Day Message for My Sisters (Mother's Day 2015)

5 Years ago, on Mother's Day, I wrote this message for my sisters.  Facebook reminded me of this memory and I have captured it here in this blog to save it.  This year, the second Mother's day, without Mom, was painful but this memory helped remind us of why we went through what we did. 

For our dear Mom.

---

Evelyn, Carmen, and Annie. This is an open letter to the three of you on Mother's day.

Each one of you deserves to get pampered today for everything you have done for your own individual families. You have each brought to this world and raised amazing and beautiful children, some of which are already adults with their own children or will in the not too distant future be crossing that path of life as well. You have shown them how to be a mother, how to love, to be strong and how to be there when they are going through their own challenges in life, whether it was losing a game, missing that pitch, breaking up with their "first love", struggling with homework, or everything else in between with your own individual touch. They should honor you for being there always and I am proud to call you my sisters and love your children as if they were my own.

Today though, in addition to your celebration of this occasion, my special request to each of you is to remember where the root of that unconditional love comes from. Our own mother. Each one of us can recall every time that we came home late from a party and no matter what time it was, there she was by the window and opening the door to let us in because until she was sure we were home safe, she could not go to bed. Every time we fell down, she was there with her alcohol and Mercurochrome (which was outlawed in 1998 actually – Annie I think you may have been spared this poisoning act), washing our clothes – originally on a washboard as I remember, preparing breakfast for us in her “bata” and when we would come home, there was always a full home cooked dinner ready. It didn’t matter if it was 4PM or 9PM. There was no exception to that prepared meal, even though at times we would come home and there were 3 or 4 other children she was taking care of at the same time so her and dad could make ends meet. 

She is, and has always been, the source and inspiration for who you are today. She never once expected anything except your love back to that unconditional love a mother has for her children. She was the epitome of a humble servant never asking for anything, or stating she was entitled to a vacation for all of the hard work she put into raising us. She welcomed our spouses as a member of her own family, and better yet, took our kids into her arms as if she were going to lead the task of raising them. Her joys in life were simple. Family and her only “tv show” All My Children. Even the show name is indicative of her true purpose in life.

We have to continue to pursue with the same tenacity she had for us, to help her through her most difficult and un-humanizing time of her life. To show her that she is not alone, though she may feel like it. That she is loved beyond compare. To treat her with the tenderness she has shown for each one of us. We have to be there for her, like she was there for us, and put aside our thoughts of how many times we have done something or if it is my turn or yours. It is the least of what we can do. As the first born in the family, and the only son, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, while I know is not necessary, for everything you are doing for her, along with my own wife Luisa. This is the time we have to rise to the occasion and show her that she deserves to be given back everything she ever gave us to get us to this point, and even more. Today, think about what the true definition is of Mother’s day, and I can assure you that one image will immediately come to mind. Our own loving, dear, and forever amazing mother, Angela. 

Happy Mother's Day to you.  I love you.

Living a nightmare...2 years later

Exactly two years ago, on April 2nd 2018, our family lived through the nightmare of losing Rafa.  Having suffered a heart attack, found sitting in his chair, toothpick and remote control in hand, TV full blast like he always had it, that day and the days that followed it were very surreal.  A pain that we lived through now a distant memory.  The loss of dad was painful and only enhanced by the losses that would follow over the next 12-15 months.

At the same time, our desire to get back to normal and happiness was made possible by the celebration of life within our family through several marriages, the birth of a child, the sweetness of birthday cakes and trying to remember the good times we had with Rafa and honoring him with the traditions he shared with us.

Now, in the midst of a Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affecting not only the country but the entire world, it is impossible not to think about how we would have reacted or behaved and how different it would be, had dad and mom be with us during this unbelievable time.  Worrying about how much at risk they would be given their high risk health conditions.  Worrying if one of us, the primary caregivers that were there everyday and at one point, 24 hours a day everyday, would have been responsible for giving them "the virus disease" that would eventually take their life.  Or being away from them and not being able to see them because of having to stay 6 feet apart from them.

It sounds crazy to even think about "what if" in this context, but at the same time, it gives us profound peace to know that they are not living through what we are living through.  Mom with her anxiety would be in so much despair.  Dad with his inability to show weakness while simultaneously being fully dependent on us to help accomplish what was needed.

Over the past several days, as I tried to think about what I would say to honor our father, on the 2nd anniversary of his departure from this world, I can't stop thinking about how grateful we are that he, along with mom is not hear to live through the nightmare we are living through.  A nightmare that is unimaginable and beyond surreal. 

The thought of the tremendous loss of life that is transpiring across the world due to this disease.  The loss of loved ones that are alone, unable to be with family at their time of so much pain and suffering.   While dad was alone when he passed away, he did not suffer, and lived a full life that we thank God we were able to enjoy with him.

As we give thanks for what we have been given, we also must give thanks to all of the first responders, to those that are in the front line, to the healthcare workers that are responding to a calling to help all of us deal with the nightmare we are living through.

May God Bless all of you, protect you and give you the strength to do what you do.  

  

De un pajaro las dos alas

Puerto Rico's first famous poet Lola Rodríguez de Tió once wrote a poem called Cuba y Puerto Rico son de un pájaro las dos alas which basically means that Cuba and Puerto Rico are the two wings of a bird, the two sides of the same coin, the two branches of the same tree...etc.

While Lola, a descendant of Ponce de Leon, born in Puerto Rico, was also a political activist and very involved in some of the early independence movement of Puerto Rico and Cuba, see Lola Rodriguez de Tio, that's not the point of my blog.

Lola wrote a poem about the similarities of Cuba and Puerto Rico and the common bond between them.  She was born in Puerto Rico and is buried in Cuba.  In her lyrics (translated with Google translate):

Lola talks about not being a stranger and each person, a brother... receiving flowers or bullets within  the same heart.  That was my brother Miguel.  My brother not by birth, but in my soul.

Growing up with 3 sisters, I being the oldest, there were times that I understood that I had it easy relative to what they went through but during the most monumental times, it was very difficult because I had no one to turn to or relate to.  Someone that could give me the advice I needed when dealing with the cards I was dealt.  Someone I could horse around with like brothers or sisters do.

I found that brother in Miguel.  Miguel and I were more alike than we admitted, though initially he was very guarded and frankly not too crazy about the new addition to the family.  Especially someone who was not Cuban.  When Luisa and I were first dating, I would always spend my time there.  It was so much fun and her family welcomed me with open arms.  Miguel's question to me though was, "why do you always have to be here?".  Not something his parents wanted to hear and boy did they let him know.  I could not tell if he was joking or not.  Obviously, he was.  But he then followed up with, "Until you do, I don't"! Again, not something his parents wanted to hear and once again, they made sure to let him know how mad they were at him and that he should apologize.  Especially after Luisa made it known how mad at him she was.  He never did.  Not directly anyhow but I knew he didn't really mean it.

Actually, I consider myself lucky.  Miguel was known to be hostile with Luisa's friends and one time, actually pushed her first boyfriend out a window!

Over time, his attitude changed.  We definitely became brothers, as if we had grown up together.  While we never did the physical horseplay that younger brothers can relate to, we had our fair share of horsing around.

We would push each other's buttons about everything from which music was better, Cuban or Puerto Rican.  Though Cuba has always had some amazing artists, his favorite artist was in fact Marc Anthony.  The ribbing continued with which dominoes game was more challenging, the Cuban version based on double-9s or the Puerto Rican version which uses double-6.  He loved to take his jabs.  I only wish they still came flying at me.

The competition continued with which food was better.  It should be noted though that he would always ask Luisa to make Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican) and not Congri (Cuban) when we got together and was always looking forward to take me to the new Puerto Rican restaurant in the area when I visited. 

The biggest arguments though came regarding each other's cooking.

Especially when it came time for our annual pig roast, which on some years, gave us an opportunity to argue in person twice a year.  Once during the summer in SC and the next during our annual December 31st roast to welcome the new year.

The funny thing was that since we always cooked it together, we were both responsible for how it turned out.  I am sure we would have both stuck to our guns and blamed each other.

Miguel and family would come up to SC during Thanksgiving and we would go down to FL after Christmas.  Every visit, was an opportunity for Miguel to complain about how much work we made him do as well has how much he would have to spend during his visits. "Oh Denise, get the camera", he would yell.

However, there was no bigger opportunity for him to complain than us not having a roaring fire during his visit.  Even if it was 70 degrees on Thanksgiving, the fire place had to be on.

He was a royal pain like any typical brother, but a pain that I was always looking forward to seeing and one that I miss dearly.  Just like his father, Miguel lived for today. He was always laughing and making people laugh.  He just knew how to have fun and made sure you did as well.

He inspired everyone he touched.  Everyone who knew him.  Everyone who loved him.

Miguel was an avid Facebook user but primarily for sharing pictures of the wonderful things he did with his family, and the messages of inspiration and hope that he was known for.  That is part of the reason I blog.  To continue giving hope the best I can, while trying to follow his lead and his advice.

When Miguel passed away, the members of the Bar Association and legal community of Lee County, FL created an incredible tribute for him in the May 2018 issue of Res Gestae, entitled a Life of Love, Laughter & Law - Miguel C. Fernandez III.  An incredible testament to who he was.

The hardest part of this blog, was how I should finish it.  Let me say that not a day goes by that I don't think about Miguel.  Especially when Facebook reminds me of his posts....

I miss you my dear brother.  May you continue to cheat your way playing dominoes in heaven with our dads and Mima.

One final note.  Today on March 21, 2020, exactly on the 2nd anniversary of Miguel's passing, his 3rd grandson Beckam Miguel Washington was born at 1AM.  I would like to think that there was definitely some coordination between the two of them.  That it was Miguel saying to the family, through Beckam's birth that this day, March 21st needs to be a happy day.  A day when I came home, and so shall you.  To give everyone something to be happy about on March 21st.  Happy Birthday Beckam.  Welcome to the family and for giving us something to look forward to on this day.

"A-Man" A Father Figure Like No Other

I have always felt blessed of the adult male role models in my life that helped me become who I am.  Of this amazing list, there is no one that has impacted me as much as my own father Rafa, than my Father-In-Law, Miguel Humberto.  He was more of a Father to me, than of a Father-In-Law.

Likewise, I always knew that I was more of a Son to him, than a Son-In-Law.  There were times that I genuinely could not tell the difference between my relationship with him, and the relationship he had with his own son whom he absolutely adored.

Rafa taught me honor, discipline, work ethics, responsibility, commitment, love for family, respect, strength, the game of baseball, admiration for my Puerto Rican heritage, to save for tomorrow and all of the basic tenants in my foundation.  Humberto added to this list by showing me how to live for today, how to enjoy life, not sweat the small stuff, to appreciate the love of a touch to the face, the real meaning of a hug and a kiss, to laugh, to appreciate great Spanish music and culture in general, and to spend it all today because tomorrow is not a given, but as long as we had our family we would figure it out and be OK.

I determined early on that I would combine both of their approaches in how I raised my own kids.  I truly hope that I captured the best of both of my fathers.

As a Grandfather, he was truly unique.  My niece Desiree called him "A-Man", short for Abuelo.  Indeed he was. A Man, a one of a kind, special person, loved by all of his grandchildren.  Always having a smile, appreciating the most precious gifts of his life, his amazing family.  When Dan and Desiree where only a year old, he dressed up as Santa Clause which scared the heck out of Desi.  He quickly ripped off his beard and hat to show her that it was just him. They were too young to know what Santa was but he was anxious to give it a try.

There has never been any doubt that he loved his son and daughter but he absolutely adored his grandchildren.  He made them feel like they were the most important thing in his life.  His usual greeting to them was "Hello My Friend".  I on the other hand got, "You B$#ch". Hahaha.

They made him do and say things and he went along with them for the ride.  The laughter we all had with his Abuelo-isms, absolutely priceless.  One time, Desi asked him what was his favorite cocktail. To which he replied "Shrimp".

The way he played with them and made them feel special, it was obvious, why they adored him.  He was the coolest grandfather I have known and was willing to do everything they asked.

He did everything with them and for them, as long as it was not having to change a diaper.  Which he eventually did when his last grandchild, Nick was born, but check out the video below to see how that turned out :)

Our bond was special.  For my 18th birthday, he went to the supermarket and bought 13 lobster tails so that we can celebrate my birthday!  That eventually became our thing.  Food.  We both had an appreciation for food and specifically enjoying each other's company over a meal and a drink.  The first time I ever went to a fancy restaurant was because he took me to one.  He eventually became known as "la muelita".

He would always want to take me to a new restaurant and to share with me something new he had and that "Rafy would like" as he said.  To enjoy things that only he and I would eat and appreciate because I was open to eating all of the "interesting" food that nobody else would enjoy with him.  That was especially the case when he and I would go to Bravo Supermarket during my visit to have chicharrón, cuchifrito or cuajito.  Much to the chagrin of his wife who would remind him that fried food was not good for him as we headed out the door.

During one of the final times that Luisa was visiting her parents in FL, while I stayed back home, she took him to Bravo's and called me to tell me about it.  I told her to tell him that I was upset that he went there without me.  His reaction was priceless but also heartbreaking.  His usual response would have been to tell me to cut it out (or in a more direct way - such as no joda, your loss and you should be here).  Midstream, he forgot what he was going to say.

My 2nd father left us to join his son, his parents, those who have gone before him and to be with God on March 11th, 2019.  Because I was still dealing with the impact of my dad having passed away less than a year before, and still focused on my mom who would pass away only two months to the day after him, I was not able to focus on the impact of my personal loss of Humberto.  I came across a video of him saying how much he missed me during one of his visits to SC while I was traveling.  I miss him even more today.

Today, on the anniversary of his passing, I honor him with this post.  I thank him for who he was, how he was with me and for all he did for me.  He helped me in ways that I cannot explain or are too personal to share.  A second father to me and one of the most important people in my life.  For had it not been for him, I would not be who I am.

I miss you "mi padre".

The Spice of Life

There is something about food that brings back memories flowing like a river.   Whether it is the thought of the Thanksgiving Turkeys, to the smell of fresh baked bread reminding me of the bakery down the street from where I grew up, it is said that a way to a man's heart is through his stomach.  And that is definitely the case for me.

I have always believed that passing down cooking recipes is essential to connect us to our past and keep the memories of the wonderful meals our families shared together alive.

Mom was a great cook and was always slaving over the stove, making sure the meal was ready for Dad when he came home from work.

My earliest memory of Dad cooking was when Mom gave birth to Annie and we remember dad cooking.  We were shocked at how well he cooked.

When he took over as the primary care giver in the house, I asked dad if we could get someone to come in to cut the grass, take over the chores and cook.  His response to me was "Rafy, please don't take that away from me.  It is the only thing I can do and gives me something to do."

Mom was deep into her disease and was too much for dad to handle so that is when we began our shifts.  Dad had gone through a rough patch with his health but was still plugging away.  Making his famous arroz con gandules, baked chicken, his delicious sancocho, and of course, his daily dose of tuna sandwiches for lunch. With diced tomato and olives.  He wouldn't strain the tuna so it came out a bit watery but it was still tasty.

On Friday night, when it was my turn to visit him, he would tell me about the moyejitas he would be frying on Saturday for Lunch, or the pulpo he purchased for a nice octopus salad.  He would tell me that they would be ready for lunch and for me to come any time.

Of course, by 10:30 or 11AM on Saturday, as I was still cutting the grass and doing my weekend chores, he would call me to tell me that I can come over when I wanted but that it was already done. But of course, no rush. :)

He had the same habit with his rice.  We would ask him to make his rice for Thanksgiving or Christmas so it was ready by lunch and by 8AM he was already starting to cook it.  It would be done by 10 and then kept warm on the stove.  Sometimes, it was done a bit too early so it would start to dry out but it was still the best rice and beans we have ever tasted.

He showed his love through his cooking and there was no doubt he loved to cook and loved us.

He showed us some great recipes and how to cook some amazing things but the one menu item that took a whole team effort was making Puerto Rican Pasteles.  Initially, when they did it with us, mom was still very alert and the disease was not getting in her way of her doing her part.

When it was pasteles time, dad would be excited about going to the store to buy all of the vianda and the fresh pork shoulder.   We then all got together to grind everything up and assemble the pasteles.  It was essentially an all day thing, taking many hours to prepare and produce them.  In the end, we would do between 150-200 of them to share between the 5 homes.

On February of this year, almost two years from losing dad and 9 months from losing mom, my sisters and I got together to continue the tradition that our parents taught us.  We made a whole day of it, with Evelyn even preparing bacalaitos for us to enjoy before we got into it.

When the time came, we took out the machine that dad and mom had brought down from NJ to make the masa from the vianda.

This machine is a grinder and mixer that creates the best masa easily and quickly.

We then got to work on the assembly line. While we did this, we reminded ourselves of what we were doing right but also what we were doing wrong and how dad would be reminding us, in real time, what we were doing wrong.  We removed much of the pork fat from the meat and could hear dad tell us in his voice "eso es bueno y se come",  i.e., that's the good stuff.

We even had a glass of coquito to celebrate and toast to our parents for the blessed memory we had of them doing this.

By the time we were done, we had made about 120 pasteles to split between the four of us and we all believe that we knocked it out of the park.

In the end we do feel that mom and dad would have been proud of us, and are probably glowing in Heaven with the fact that we are continuing to do these things, honoring their memories, spending time together and partaking in continuing our culture.

We felt their presence in the stories and memories that came alive in the process of making them and in our minds, imagined them hovering over us and looking like this.

Family meals are opportunities to keep memories alive.  To continue the traditions that have been passed down to us.  To use food to awaken the senses of smell and taste so that it can remind us of the great times we enjoyed with the ones we loved and while they may not be with us in person, are with us in spirit.

Today, February 23, 2020, would have been dad's 84th birthday and is the 2nd birthday that we do not have him with us.  In his honor, we continue the traditions and enjoy the meals he created with the Spice of Life.  

Rie y Llora - Que a cada cual le llega su hora

I'm sensitive to starting every post reliving the pain of what our entire family has gone through over the past couple of years.  However, in the past 3 months, our family has experienced a transformation of nothing but amazing moments that continue to bring us together and be giddy about celebrating life and our beautifully expanding family.  Yes we have those moments where the holidays remind us of what we have lost.

But those moments now pale in comparison to the excitement of having celebrated two amazing weddings within this short time frame.  In October 2019, it was Dan and Jill.  Luisa and I had a natural high leading up to the wedding and then for about a month afterwards.  Now it was Desiree' and Spencer's turn to tie the knot and give us hope for a better future.

The day was as beautiful as the bride. The location picturesque. The venue, prepared with an attention to detail that would not only excite us about what we would all experience but sweetly reminding us of those who would not be joining us physically but without a doubt, in spirit.

From the memory room, with Abuelo's handcrafted furniture to the two dominoes tables on the porch, just begging to hear Miguel yell "La Gorda" and proclaim "My House, My Rules".  Their presence was felt everywhere.  Several of us wore his suits, ties, shirts, and even the bridesmaid's flowers were wrapped with Miguel's ties.

As the guests began to stroll in and sip from the champagne glass, we were all admiring the location and the shear beauty of the place.  All of us, very consciously aware this day would be full of joy while trying to keep our emotions in check so we can focus on the bride and her husband to be.

As the ceremony began, our anticipation and excitement grew upon seeing Desiree' walk down the paved path in Denise's arms.  The friends and family, giving them both support and admiring the strength of those beautiful ladies, as the waves began to crash loudly against the rocks nearby.  Then as Reverend Jorge started to speak his words, the ocean calmed to the point you could hear a pin drop.  

The wedding vows romantic and full of emotions like the crowd sitting in the chairs, tears flowing with all of the love for this family.

The celebration capped the night with great speeches, incredible food, and non-stop dancing throughout the entire time.  

There was one moment, where it all came full circle.  A song, a tribute to Miguel, where everybody was asked to dance with the newlyweds and the family.  Everybody joined the dance floor which at first did not appear to be big enough, but obviously was.

The tribute song was "Rie y Llora" (Laugh and Cry) by Celia Cruz. On my drive back from FL, I listened to the song several times, wanting to dissect the words and appreciate its significance.

...

Lo que es bueno hoy

Quizás no lo sea mañana

He ahí el valor del momento

He ahí el presente perfecto

...

No es que recuerde, sino que no olvido

Eso es el perdón, recordar sin dolor

Agárrate fuerte y ya no te sueltes

Ríe, llora

Que a cada cual le llega su hora (le llega, le llega)

Ríe, llora

Vive tu vida y gózala toda (vive tu vida y gózala toda)

Here is the song with lyrics

Essentially, tomorrow is not guaranteed. Therefore live your life in the moment.  The perfect moment at this current time.  It's not that you have to remember the pains of the past, but that you cannot forget the good moments of today.  Laugh, Cry, as our time will come for all of us.  So live your life and enjoy everything.

This was exactly what Miguel wanted us to do and how he lived his life.  Enjoying the moment, thanking God for all of our blessings, namely our family.  

As the newlyweds make their way to their honeymoon, and to begin their future together, the pictures and comments from all of the people that witnessed this magical event are flowing on everybody's respective Facebook pages.  The smiles and comments say it all.  

Life is good.  Especially with a family and friends like we have.

Congratulations Desi and Spencer.  May God Bless your marriage and may you always live your life, in the moment.

The Tie That Binds

The tie that binds (or the ties that bind) is the shared belief or other factor that links people together.

There are certain events that forces a change in the routine.  The birth of a child, moving to a new place or the loss of a loved one, just to name a few.

Trying to get back on the saddle is hard. Very hard.  The feelings and desires of having things be just like they used to be.  The pattern of doing things you have done year after year and then suddenly... they come to a screeching halt.

For us, every year, it was the same routine. Celebrate Christmas in SC, and New Years in FL.

The New Years celebration routine would usually start two days after Christmas and would end on the 2nd of January. Roughly 14 hour trips each way to begin the nonstop, running around of preparation for the big event. 

Un-boxing the decorations from the garage, numerous runs to the supermarkets, (yes that is plural because no matter how many times we did this, we always forgot something and it is impossible to get everything in one place), ordering and then picking up the pig on the 30th, preparing it so that it can seasoned overnight and be ready for the big day on the 31st. 

Spend the day on the 30th cleaning the house and setting up all of the decorations to make sure that the place looked as magical as the views of the ball dropping on the TV of Sydney, then London, then New York.

Waking up early on the 31st to start the charcoal, clean the Caja China, set up the dominoes table so that we can drink beer or Cuba Libres (yes also plural) all while keeping an eye on the pig while we roast it.

Battling the winds and each other as we argued to make sure we, ok Miguel, would not burn the pig.  Of course, reminding each other, how we did it in years' past and that we should not fix what was obviously not broken and had been perfected over time.

Then while everyone was getting ready for the main dinner on New Years Eve, carving up the Lechón, and then scrambling to take showers so we don't smell or look like the pig we just roasted.

Celebrating family, our shared love for one another and the blessings upon us as we welcomed the new year, unsure of what it would bring, but sure that we would be here the following year doing exactly the same thing.

Looking at the pictures and videos of prior years only made us anxious to get the routine started.

On January 2018, Miguel, my truly one of a kind brother-in-law, shared a dream he previously had with Denise.  In his dream, he was attending funeral after funeral and said that all he saw were the losses that we as a family would have in 2018.  Not realizing of course, that he would be the first to leave us on March 21st a couple of months later, followed by my father, Rafa, just 10 days after that on April 2nd.  Then by Tia Margot (my side) and Tia Onelia (Luisa's side), along with both my father-in-law, Miguel Humberto on March 11th of 2019, 10 days shy of when his son Miguel had predeceased him and then most recently concluding with my mom Angela, on May 11th.

With the incredible losses of so many loved ones over these past 2 years, along with other circumstances, the usual New Year's Eve celebration changed drastically this year.  The tone was also completely different. 

This year, our boys and other loved ones could not make the trip. 

We did not roast a full pig, have a party or even dust off the dominoes.  We did have dinner together, with a pernil and then sat around the TV and watched old videos of our prior celebrations. 

We did our best to come together and continue moving forward.  We even put on music as we danced with the kids to honor the memories of the ones we love by keeping the traditions alive.



One of the songs played was Marc Anthony's Vivir Mi Vida which translated is Live My Life.

In the verse, he says:

We must continue.  We need to go on and live our life to the fullest.  We must continue to follow the traditions we set forth many years ago as can be seen in this photo.

Yes, it will be different and will never truly be the same as it used to be, no matter how much we wish for it to be. In the end, it was not about the music or the pig, or the new years hats and celebrations that we did this.

It was about our amazing family.  It was about being together to welcome the New Year.  To be there for one another as our life evolves with new beginnings, as well as the challenges that may come down our way.  To live our life or Vivir Mi Vida.

This year, 2020, we will celebrate another one of our children get married, we will welcome a new baby, we will travel to new places and create new memories.  But even though it is still far out, we can be sure of one thing.  We will get together at the end of the year, like we have always done to welcome the New Year.