Our Long Running 2013 Reunion Experience

By Cindy & Rudy Rivera 

We finally ended our 2013 re-union with the CAFA and friends! Coming back to Chicago land seemed colder in temperature, and in our hearts. Eastcoast is truly beautiful! That "I Love NY" button is ever so true! you have the extreme urban feel, delightful country, and universal people! 

Also fell in love with Connecticut's 'Americana look', the terrains, the cozy towns, the unpretentious white houses, ....and not to forget the GRINDERS!! Thank you Romy and Rory, and Romy's sis Rosy - for sharing your lovely home, and being soooo gracious in accommodating us.... also found out where Romy's sense of humor, quick thinking, and that peaceful calmness came from: "Mama Esther B., when I grow up, I want to be just like you". 

Thank you Tong and Rita, and little Arthur, for such FUN company and part of "welcoming committee" in NY area.....surely wouldn't be as strong-a-bond without you. Little Arthur's "artwork" is now with my 'bookmark collections'! And, Eileen! you're so sweet to come join us whenever possible-- thank you for your lovely self! And not to forget that warm and beautiful cottage in Milford, Penn!! Hey! CAFA was certainly there!! Acoustic worked so good in that little ol' house when ya'll sang.... as when that Egypt song separated all your voices into harmony, 

Howie's surprised look in his face (at hearing the Egypt song) is UNforgetable!! so, even tho the house was sold,- - -'been there, done that' for CAFA! A great memory was imprinted on those walls! Thanks Howie and Rody! such work and drama you guys put into your homes. 

Thank you Nore and Didi, for the excitements, for winter-book-of readings! You're inspiring and so full of ideas!! - -but just your loss that you missed watching Billie go wild @ the apple orchard! Nope, she just won't take any other apple from anyone, but ONLY the ones she picked herself, ok? 

And since we missed half of 'yous' in the Eastcoast, it's just not whole without that first half! A big fat hug of thanks to Gerry for his great leadership, and for offering the Milwaukee Philippine Center, and Jojo, for your loving works of art and hostessing, and for sharing your family and their participation! 

And by the way, thanks to everyone's sincere gesture to compensate for our catering, but as Rudy have mentioned several times, 'It just wouldn't be SPECIAL if we accept payment - - It would be JUST another catering for JUST another group.' so, that evening, Jojo, Gerry, Rudy, and I have decided to donate, under the CAFA group name, half of the money to the good works of the Milwaukee Philippine Center, half to help educate underprivileged and battered women and children in the Philippines through the Ballesteros, whom we've come to know the works of the Good Shepherd Sisters, (if considering more contributions, go to http://www.goodshepherd.org/), and, the little bit of it went to compensate for the 3 great Help that Jojo and Gerry provided for us to clean and tidy up. 

Thanks to very touching "moonlighting" works of Bess and Alice just to be with us here in the Midwest. Your strong part in every re-union is such a MUST. You're like the 'sinew' of the group! You ladies are amazing! Same with Dr. Elvis and your lovely wife, your 'last moments' decision to come is so appreciated for the whole package of memories! Loving my new gorgeous bright red hat- - nothing subtle from you Lina! 

And, YESSS! Another keeper souvenir T-shirt to re-live all the fun each time we ware it - - so, we'll wear it often! Thanks for the 'eternal' reminder Ely, Arianne, and Enrique! Thanks also to everyone that came from the Philippines: Onie, Billie, Dinky, Milou, and Teena..... probably was the very core of inspiration that made this idea of re-union to 'come true'. Margaret and other out of town guests were proof of re-union's success, wanting to come on the next one...."wherever it may be".... 

Well, everyone, thanks for the memories. Until the next memory making! ('driveable' please?). Keep us posted on that Philippine affair this Feb. 2014, YOU, re-union animals, YOU!! LIVE, LAUGH, and SING!

-XOXO from Rudy and Cindy.