2013: A Very Good Year!

Lots of ‘looking-back’ stories at this time of year.
During 2013, two major events happened in our family, and we just happen to have the photos to show:
— On May 29, our grand-niece, Amelie (a.k.a., La niña), was born in Havana, Cuba.

Our nephew was not able to get permission to attend his wife in the delivery room, because of medical regulations there. Everything went well, and his wall-to-wall grin was visible, even in the text of his e-mail! La niña was baptized earlier this month, and all three are doing fine in Havana right now.
However, we have a problem: Madre has been unable to get an emigration visa; they want to live / work

Nelson Mandela

Earlier this morning, the people of South Africa – and indeed the whole world – were in the final stages of giving this remarkable man their final respects. His burial took place in his home village of Qunu.

Our impressions of this remarkable man still range from “terrorist” to “father of his country” … and everything in between.
His death ten days ago came as no surprise, as the 96-year-old statesman had been in poor health for many months. Throughout most of the mourning period, the atmosphere was of an upbeat 'celebration-of-life' by the South African citizens, accompanied by singing and dancing.