Compadres

One of the most memorable things about this trip has been getting to meet old friends in and around San Juan that Charlie has kept in touch with for muchos anos. The wonderful thing about this amazing culture is the way that these families have become life long friends. Not only is Charlie the best of friends with the older gentleman in each family, but the entire family has become just that: family. Charlie is Padrino (God Father) to many of the children in these families, and Danny and his sisters' God Parents are also in the same families. Everyone is excited to see "Little Dani" and so glad to see that Charlie is doing so well. They have also treated my like family immediately.

At right is a picture of Charlie and his long time friend, Don Porfirio Reyes, who is now 98 years old! We had dinner with the whole family last weekend (I was shocked but remained calm when I stirred my chicken soup and saw chicken feet pop up out of the broth...apparently it is an honor to receive the feet of the chicken:). Don Porfirio is an amazing man and I so enjoyed seeing he and Charlie start right where they left off!

At left is a picture of Dan, Charlie and the some of the Cruz Family. We have visited several times with David Chico and his family (not pictured) as they accompanied us to the Corrida del Toros. Margarita, the sweet woman hugging Dan in the photo, just gushed over "Dani" as a little boy and how she considered him one of her own children. What a fantastic family!