#migimo

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Simple pleasures that I take for granted sometimes: sleeping, cleaning, showering, cooking for myself, fruit, sister, cousins, friends, breathing, my brain, water. Bit by bit I’ll be filling in the gaps on my silence. Building more structure in my life as I’ve become increasingly aware of the toll that living alone has taken on my mental health and motivation. So today I am celebrating with you the fact that I hit a more solid round of sleep last night, woke up early, washed some dishes, and fixed myself a nice breakfast!! (It’s been super challenging to do some of these basic things since MigiMo passed away) Today’s menu is an homage to Marston’s Restaurant in Pasadena, CA where I was introduced to a chicken andouille sausage!! On my plate: omelette with red chili flakes, chopped onions and cheddar cheese topped with some black beans and a bit more cheddar! On the side is a chicken andouille sausage, corn tortillas and a sliced pink lady apple. As always accompanied by some water and hot coffee (the elixir of life)!! Remember…visitors always receive my home cooking!! #comicsgodandtortillas #pelon #adultorphan #AZliving #gratitude #livingwithoutanonagenarian #caregiverlife #caregivernomore #rebuildingmylife #selah #fanboylife #marstonsrestaurant #breakfast (at Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqDsp7Ipe_x/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[confrontodemocratico]

I genitori di Irene Cecchini: «Nostra figlia non è una spia, in Russia c’è meritocrazia»

Il padre e la madre della ragazza che ha dialogato con Putin la pensano come lei  «Nostra figlia non è una spia, non è Mata Hari». A dirlo oggi a Repubblica sono i genitori di Irene Cecchini, la ragazza che ha parlato con Vladimir Putin durante un evento al MIGIMO, l’istituto di studi internazionali di Mosca. Paolo Cecchini e la moglie Daniela Montanari parlano nell’azienda agricola di famiglia…

[comicsgodandtortillas]

60 years ago I was still “cooking” inside MigiMo’s belly!! It’s been a wild and wonderful ride so far! #comicsgodandtortillas #pelon #adultorphan #caregiverlife #caregivernomore #livingwithanonagenarian #migimo #migimoments #gratitude #azliving #livingwithoutanonagenarian https://www.instagram.com/p/CkZdiugvFZD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Hi All : : Time to catch up on the past three weeks of Peptober!!! Life has been a rollercoaster of emotions as I continue to walk through grief and rebuilding my life in AZ. But I’m back! Peptober 02 relates to sharing “my feels” for that day. October 2nd was a ROUGH day—couldn’t see the forest for the trees. Felt kinda like the way Julianne Moore’s character felt during the hotel room scene in “The Hours.” Totally overwhelmed. (NOT to the extreme degree of her character at that part of her journey but overwynonetheless). As the month moved in I’ve grown more in improving my self care and taking actions in positive directions. I’ve had some great moments with my sister and friends in texts, phone chats, over coffee/meals and a special visit from a dear friend. So I’m pressing on and posting multiple Peptober posts between now and the 31st!! #peptober #comicsgodandtortillas #pelon #caregiverlife #migimo #livingwithanonagenarian #migimoment #alchemist #adultorphan #gratitude #sketchbook #storytelling #moleskine #sketchbookartist #hope #caregivernomore #migimoments (at Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVfSZrAJ1nm/?utm_medium=tumblr

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Mary Louise “MigiMo” Gonzalez April 9, 1929 - March 25, 2021 My Dear Precious MigiMo joined the love of her life, Elias “Doc” Gonzalez, Sr. today at 9:21 am. This Topeka,KS beauty—one of the five absolutely beautiful Arredondo Sisters (Loretta, Esther, Virginia and Alice) met Doc at the end of his service in the U. S. Air Force at a local dance in February 1955. Two months later, Doc asked her father, Vicente Arredondo, for Mary’s hand in marriage on her birthday. They were married in October 1955. Doc brought her back to his hometown of El Rio/Oxnard, CA. After five years of marriage, Doc + Mary had two AMAZING children, Amelia Louise “Amy Lou” and Elias Jr. “Pelon.” Doc and Mary were blessed with a gifted son-in-law, Darcy Louis Taylor and three WONDERFUL grandchildren—grandsons Jordan Hosea and Christopher Donovan, and granddaughter, Gabrielle Alexa (MigiMo and Amy Lou’s “mini me”!) After retiring to AZ in 1987, Doc and Mary met a LOVELY blonde hair-blue eyed woman from OH named Mary (née Stickle) Cox who became their “adopted”daughter! MigiMo lived a full and rich life of 91 years. She became a social media darling after her baby boy, Elias Jr., relocated to Mesa, AZ to become caregiver for Doc and Mary/MigiMo. The Gonzalez, Taylor, and Cox families are greatly appreciative of all the love, prayers, and support all of you out there have given to MigiMo, Doc and their family!!! Your ongoing care, prayer and support is appreciated. [Special thanks to Elaine Trask for her “MigiMo Mandala�� created for Elias for Birthday/Christmas 2020!] #migimo #migimoment #migimoments #lovingmigimo #livingwithanonagenarian #livingwithelderlyparents #caregiver #caregiverlife #caregiverappreciation #familycaregiver #pelon #alchemist #comicsgodandtortillas #migimoandpelon (at East Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CM2vNawhuD-/?igshid=9kcsqmmwgsc0

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Sincere apologies for my silence over the past month+—Look for a more informative update on me and MigiMo in the next day or two. Until then, here’s some food porn to enjoy!!! Here’s a shot of last night’s dinner prepared by Marie, mom’s caregiver!! Super tasty tostadas!!! MANY THANKS to all my friends/loved ones out there for your ongoing support of me and MigiMo!! Because of the financial blessings of many of you, we have been able to extend Marie’s time with us!! ¡Muchísimas gracias, Mi Familia! #caregiverlife #migimo #migimoments #livingwithanonagenarian #caregiversupport #caregiverliving #pelon #alchemist #comicsgodandtortillas #gratitude (at East Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLIEKt3B740/?igshid=1hi7mzc82or6

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Here’s a bit more info that fully explain what’s been going on during the month of Peptober! I’m gonna do my best to catch up!! #peptober #pelon #migimo #comicsgodandtortillas #migimoments #migimoment #caregiverlife #caregivernomore #livingwithanonagenarian #livingwithelderlyparents #alchemist #adultorphan #gratitude #hope #selah (at Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVhOV-YLWKF/?utm_medium=tumblr

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Peptober03: Ask The Audience. What film or TV show’s cinematic universe would like to live in at your whim? #peptober #peptoberday3 #comicsgodandtortillas #pelon #caregiverlife #migimo #livingwithanonagenarian #migimoment #alchemist #adultorphan #gratitude #sketchbook #storytelling #moleskine #sketchbookartist #hope #caregivernomore #migimoments (at Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVhB8FrFv9R/?utm_medium=tumblr

[comicsgodandtortillas]

“...And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.” [Genesis 1:5] This morning I awoke to the first day of my “new normal”—my life WITHOUT MIGIMO. I showered (the FIFTH DAY IN A ROW in I don’t remember how long!!). Went to the funeral home to make a conference call to one of MigiMo’s life insurance companies for assignment of benefits. Drove through Black Rock Coffee Bar for my “elixir of life.” Ate my ham, cheese and jalapeño croissant during a teletherapy session. Oh. And I cried. A lot. At unexpected times. During teletherapy (that’s a no- brainer!). Whenever I almost took a left turn in the hallway to check on MigiMo before going to my bedroom. When I rewatched the last 14 minutes of the series finale of “Six Feet Under”...AGAIN!! While working on my color-by-number app as I lay on MigiMo’s bed wishing I could feel the warmth of her soft hand again. I figured this would happen once I was finally alone—no longer needing to keep up a ���good front.” But there was something else present. The day felt quite...pregnant. Pregnant with emotion. Pregnant with grief. Pregnant with memories. Pregnant with anguish. Pregnant with gratitude. Pregnant with sadness. Pregnant with expectation, life and hope. I know this will be another roller coaster ride (Isn’t that kind of what we expect out of life anyway?). Just as I was stripped of virtually EVERYTHING THAT GAVE ME IDENTITY when I relocated from Pasadena/Los Angeles to AZ ten years ago, now I lay down my “temporary”(?) identity of caregiver as I see what God/The Universe has in store for me now. One thing I know for sure...She’s gonna give me one helluva ride!!! Stay posted as I share how my journey unfolds!! [s e l a h] #comicsgodandtortillas #pelon #alchemist #god #godisgood #migimo #migimoment #migimoments #livingwithanonagenarian #livingwithmigimo #livingwithoutmigimo #livingwithelderlyparents #caregiver #caregiverlife #familycaregiver #blackrockcoffeebar #blackrockcoffeebaraz #newnormal #gratitude #grief #griefjourney #griefawareness #griefshare #sixfeetunder #sixfeetunderfans (at East Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNMe-GIhAgv/?igshid=if6zdadr5xmk

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Know that the GRAND LOVE I have for MigiMo mirrors my DEEP APPRECIATION for all of you out there who have been walking with us along this AMAZING JOURNEY!! Thank you!! #migimo #migimoment #migimoments #lovingmigimo #comicsgodandtortillas #caregiver #caregiverlife #livingwithanonagenarian #livingwithelderlyparents #pelon #alchemist (at East Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CM2SMBgBMaX/?igshid=ywcthoj25uhd

[comicsgodandtortillas]

One thing I’m gonna miss SOOOOO MUCH is holding her hand!!! MigiMo has THE SOFTEST SKIN IN THE WORLD...at two weeks shy of 92!!! She’s kinda strolling towards the light. We think she’s waiting for my brother-in-law and oldest nephew to arrive. Luckily my Tía Linda (Dad’s sister just one year younger) and my cousin, Rosa (who is Tía’s caregiver)just arrived from Orange County (So Cal)!! #migimo #livingwithmigimo #livingwithanonagenarian #caregiver #caregiverlife #familycaregiver #pelon #alchemist #comicsgodandtortillas #migimoment #migimoments #caregiverliving #caringforelderlyparents (at East Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CM0mKiOhWDy/?igshid=1q2abk1g7re9k

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Yup! Miss Marie outdid herself on my turkey bacon, avocado, mushroom, tomato, red onion, lettuce, black olives, sliced mini peppers and cheddar on lightly toasted Dave’s Killer Bread! She likes to say it’s “SUPERCHARGED”!! She made me one yesterday and I said: “Y’know...I’m tempted to ask for a second sandwich!!” So SHE MADE ME TWO TODAY!! Luckily, my sister Amy is about to arrive from Oxnard so we can spend our last family time together with MigiMo...and Amy gets to enjoy the second sandwich!!! MigiMo Update coming after lunch!! #caringformigimo #caregiver #caregiversupport #selfcare #livingwithanonagenarian #livingwithmigimo #migimo #migimoment #migimoments #pelon #superchargedTBLAT #comicsgodandtortillas #goodfood #caregiverlife https://www.instagram.com/p/CMu5Ho2hajc/?igshid=pi59xpdui8w5

[comicsgodandtortillas]

A MIGIMOMENT: “What’s For Dinner?!?” I’m so thankful for all the prayers and loving vibes y’all have sent me over the years. Behaviors of Migi’s that used to annoy me (mostly pre-diagnosis of dementia) have grown into cute lil’ quirks that bring a smile to my face and a great deal of joy!! (Though, once in a while they are like a pimple on my butt—c’mon!! I’m only human!! You try this 24/7 fir nine years!!) Well, tonight was a special one. I was in the living room trying to watch the S:2 final episode of “The Boys” on Prime. Things were nice and quiet...perhaps too quiet...for too long. After several callings of my name, and check-ins on MigiMo through the first half of the episode, I decided to take a “nap” in the twin bed next to her hospital bed. We chatted for a bit (I have another story from that chat to share another time!). I massaged her sore right knee. Then I applied more dōTERRA Deep Blue rub onto her knee. She seemed calm and closed her eyes. I thought to myself: “Ahhhh...peace and quiet! Please Baby Jesus, let this last for 15 minutes!! I need a catnap!!” Despite the fact that MigiMo woke up after five minutes didn’t make me doubt Baby Jesus’ love me any less! Because the next words out of her mouth melted my heart: “Mijo, please serve me some of your homemade soup in your Daddy’s mug.” Yeah. I got misty. So here is the photo of MigiMo enjoying her cup of homemade chicken + hominy + vegetables soup!! [When I moved in with them in 2011, I saw this mug in the cupboard and forgot that Migi had given it to dad decades before! Again, I will go on record and say that MigiMo DID/DOES NOT understand the innuendo of the saying on the mug!!! She is is innocent as the driven snow! I always say that Latinx men who started out Catholic ALWAYS KNOW that their mothers were virgins when they got married...AND THEY STILL ARE!!! Not gonna change my mind!!] #migimo #migimoment #migimoments #livingwithanonagenarian #caregiverlife #caregiverliving #pelon #alchemist #doc #migimoanddoc #missingdad #missingdaddy (at East Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKIRKxYB8xe/?igshid=152hhs55nwlih

[comicsgodandtortillas]

A MigiMoMent: Enraptured By Superheroes MigiMo’s CNA, Cece, visits M, W + F mornings to give her a shower. We have been blessed to always have such caring CNAs visit us!! (THANK YOU, Cece, Lynne Arnold Saul, Carmencita, Sharday, and Deja!!) We have been equally blessed over the past five weeks as she hasn’t had many “deep” dementia episodes involving hallucinations and anxiety. However, this morning Cece brought to my attention that Migi thought there were people looking at her when she was in the shower so she asked Cece to close the bathroom door. Migi was also talking about “the little girl” who has been visiting her since she broke her right femur in January 2017!! Upon hearing this news I girded my loins in anticipation of what might be a demanding day. To my surprise, splitting a tocino con huevo and huevos con chorizo burrito with her AND “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of a Justice” seems to have caught her focus. She’s happily munching away, drinking her coffee and transfixed by images of Henry Cavill (can’t say I blame her!!), Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot (such a stunning woman and she’s seems to be a very centered human being on her Insta!)!!! 🤞🏽 and 🙏🏽 that the day continues along this path. #migimoment #migimoments #livingwithanonagenarian #caregiving #caregivingfortheelderly #livingwithanelderlyparent #migimo #batmanvsuperman #batmanvsupermandawnofjustice #henrycavill #henrycavillsbutt #caregiverslife #caregivinglife (at Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHrFUOKhyxA/?igshid=13w7d0swcp4g5

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Today my second cousin, Gilbert Arredondo Jr, and his love Jessica Medved got married. My sister Amy Gonzalez Taylor drove in from CA. Sadly, due to COVID-19 concerns, MigiMo and I stayed home. On an exciting note, my sweet sister drove my first cousin, Gilbert Arredondo Sr, and his wife Patricia from the wedding venue in PHX to our home in Mesa!! What a wonderful, though way too brief, time with family from KS (MigiMo’s home state!)!! #migimo #migimoments #livingwithmigimo #livingwithanonagenarian #caregiverlife #caregiving #caregivinglife #pelon #selfcare #azliving #comicsgodandtortillas https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vtuR6h41q/?igshid=i4ykwdwqe6t5

[comicsgodandtortillas]

Wonderful weekend visit from my sister, Amy, and my nephew, Christopher. MigiMo and really enjoyed their visit from my hometown of Oxnard. Check out the cool, new, SOFT pajamas my sister bought MigiMo!! #migimoment #migimoments #livingwithanonagenarian #caregiverlife #family #familytime #livingwithelderlyparents #pelon #mesaazliving #alchemist #comicsgodandtortillas #migimo (at Mesa, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8aqhk_Br1h/?igshid=gdjz6zhsijk8