Pearltruths

Brother Fr Texas in Town

It was another beautiful day. So my brothers and I met up at Sons of Liberty in San Leandro since the buffet time didn’t start for another hour or so and it was in the same area. I forget how dark the set up in a bar can be. My kids, that are now adults walked into the bar and really had to spot the table where the rest of the group was.

While sitting at the table trying to engage and have conversation with my family, it was hard adjusting to the lighting. The ambiance was typical of a bar setting. High padded stools, separate dining area, with bar. Multiple flat screens, playing the sports channel. Dark and dull temperature. All I can see was a silhouette of my oldest brother across the rectangular table opposite me. :)Everyone just ordered one drink, which would be a starter before making our way to lunch after. Literally, the buffet was around the corner. My nephew had joined us, while my sister-in-law and niece waited and rested elsewhere outside, since my niece is too young to drink so it was us adults over 18. It was nice getting together with family.

By 1:00pmish, we left the bar and made our way to the Fortuna Buffet in San Leandro. It was good, had a lot of Chinese food, some sushi, and a mixture of American food chicken. They served fountain drinks, and water. No alcohol and they didn’t have waitresses waiting on a table to serve food or cocktails of any kind. I guess most chinese establishments frequently serve unique indigenous beverages, sometimes characterized as “Chinese vodka”. Some have full time waiters, while others don’t.

Nonetheless, we enjoyed our meals while fostering further conversation. Later, I learned my oldest brother’s wife is still not well, and resting at home, in Texas. She had to stay behind while waiting on the results of a second biopsy. And my nephew, her son is working his new job. Congrats nephew! I just pray for a favorable prognosis for her. Bless her heart.

Us siblings took up three separate tables apart from my mother’s table. She was in a table all on her own shared with two other people we don’t even know. She did not come around our table, shared with my two brothers, to greet me, which was not a surprise. Our alienation has not changed. (See my earlier clips my mother and daughter estrangement.). However, what mattered is my continuous and fun relationship with my brothers and my nephews. We had fun having our meals and laughing about childhood events and lessons we’ve learned from. My nephew from Texas was caught using illegal stuff like paraphernalia. Apparently, he had really good friends that bailed him out. Such a blessing. It was his first time offense. My son telling his story back when he was a teenager and getting caught stealing from Target, while the other two chicks got away. He was detained.

After a delicious meal, and chit chat, the brunch came to a close. We all exited to the parking lot and said our goodbyes. My siblings and I, and our kids are to meet back up on Saturday for a huge family party in Fremont, before my brother returns back to Texas. This will be more fun and interesting. I’m definitely having a cocktail or two!

How about you? How often do you and your family get together? I would love to hear about more family engagement other than my own.