Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Sanchez Family Reunion Shines With Color


On Sunday, May 27th the descendants of Mariano and Ceferina Sanchez reunited after nearly 30 years for a traditional family reunion at San Benito Historical Park.

In attendance were representatives from the Sanchez, Warren, Porteur, Hagins and Miguel Families. Unfortunately none of the Cronins (Auntie Judy's family) were able to attend. Each family was designated a color and the sea of red dominated with 43 brightly colored Warrens.

The eldest family member was Auntie Teresa Sanchez (89) with Papa Wes only 8 months behind. The multi-shaded purple Sanchez' were also represented by our late cousin Tom's widow, Jennifer and their children Oceanna and River and her husband John and his son.

The Porteurs, in green, were second in mass and represented well on the softball diamond where mostly Warren's took on the other families. Baron took a moment to properly pronounce the family name, "Pour-tour" before announcing his families 3 generations.

The Miguels looked sharp with Aunt Carmen dressed in shades of orange. Other Miguels were sporty in Giants colors led by Uncle Joe, who had the most poignant moment when he raised his fist proclaiming, "I'm finally a Sanchez." This was apparently in reference to his families status as an equal in the celebration as he was brought up by his Aunt and Uncle following the death of his mother when he was 3.

Looking cool in blue were the Hagins clan smartly led by matriarch Auntie Marian, who proudly announced Mike's fiancee Marilee along with the others. Following her third phase of chemo she was looking good and spoke from the heart when she said, "your parents would be so proud of you all."

Bonny spoke for the Warren's in naming the red mob, which took some time. I'd like to think this was appreciated by a confused 3rd and 4th generation of cousins.

All-in-all, 17 of 31 living cousins were present including Mark, Baron, Renon and Janine; Ken, Peggy, Bonny, Susy, Sean, Cefe, Maria, Kevin, Anita and Rick; Pat and Mike; Joe Jr.

Stay tuned for the next reunion where plans are already underway (see Anita), when we hope to gather even more of the family.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

The reunion was great, however i think you meant to say descendants because the ancestors were long gone BEFORE Nano and Nana! Also, I don't think Dad turns 89 until November, but whose counting? A sea of color and four generations casually having fun together made for a wonderful event.
Susy

alex said...
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Anonymous said...

Great update...good luck in your ride Rick...I know you will think of this day as you will see MUCHO REDO on "Red Dress Day" We hope to see you at the end...love you Ricky Racoon.
-Anita

Anonymous said...

Rick,
Excited to see summary & photos. You & Gia on the bikes is a great photo for your site. You're right about Dad being 8 mos. younger than Auntie Teresa, just as he used to tease Mom about her being 8 mos. older. Thought it was cool Sean discovered Sarah Sanchez lives nearby in S.F. Rick - you're a good leader and speaker so thanks for starting the introductions at the reunion. It was so nice and fun. Have a wonderful ride & hope to "hear" you. Look for messages at camp on your "red dress" 42nd BD!
Love you,
Maria

Rick Warren said...

Susy,
Thanks for the corrections. I've updated this post accordingly.
Anita,
Thanks for all your planning and encouragement.
Maria,
Appreciate your comments and well-wishes.