When Papa died, not only did he leave behind a legacy, he also left behind a lot of stuff. Mostly junk, some may say. But since one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, my mom and aunts decided to organize a multi-weekend estate sale…

…As an attempt to empty 3 packed garages and a house overflowing with 35 years of keepsakes.

…During the height of the summer heatwave.

…In the middle of a pandemic.

Because if this was Papa’s final test for his daughters, they said, “challenge accepted.”

In case you missed our smoke signals, you should know that we made it back to Hayward, just in time for the humidity, mosquitos, glow parade, and fireworks. It was a blast, especially playing with Cora, Colt, and the Byom kids! Even though we couldn’t barhop for kiddie cocktails due to the pandemic, the great outdoors and open water never disappoint, especially since I was spared the swimmer’s itch that other campers had to endure. Still, itchy or not, we made good s’mores and snores and memories!

When it’s 88 degrees and your mom can’t find a kiddie pool, water gun, or a sprinkler within a 30-mile radius.

#PandemicLife #GetCreative #UseYourResources #WhoNeedsAWaterpark

Since most pools are closed this summer due to COVID-19, Genesee & I decided to meet up with the Martinez family at Lake Wazee for some fun in the sun, a butterfly exhibit, a baby skunk show-and-tell, and, of course, waterfront shenanigans.

And because I’m a sweet talker, we added another passenger for our ride home when I convinced mom to let Amaya spend the night. It was my first slumber party and it was a success!

Sleepovers are the absolute best, except for that unfortunate part when we all fall asleep. But, I’d do it all again if it means I get to wake up next to one of my favorite friends!

On a whim, we decided to pull the boat and camper to Hayward for a weekend getaway! But first, we had other things to pull…. like my wiggly front tooth!

Once me and my toothless smile arrived in Hayward, we maximized our time by fishing, boating, and taking sunset strolls along the beach.

I love how life slows down a little bit in Hayward. Here’s to hoping the time goes quickly in between this visit and the next!

Although the camera lens brings the moments into focus, it was actually all a total blur.

But it happened… somehow. We did the thing called Spring:

It wasn’t the way I thought I would end my kindergarten career…. at home with substitute teachers (mom & dad) and only seeing my friends twice a week (virtually, on Google Meets), but we made it work. And hey, instead of missing out on valuable school lessons, I like to acknowledge the important life skills I gained by being kept home as a result of the pandemic: becoming more independent, overcoming adversity, adjusting to change, practicing patience, taking turns (especially when it came to sharing our limited internet data as we all worked/learned from home), and making Cheeto sandwich lunches for me and sis.

Some would say we survived, but it’s obvious that we actually thrived! …Especially since Cheeto sandwiches are a lost art, not even taught in the classroom these days.

Send me into the world; I’m ready!

First, the pandemic struck, then Papa passed away, and now we’re learning about the state-sanctioned murder of a Black man named George Floyd, in Minneapolis, just 2.5 hours away from our house. I’m not sure Genesee or I can understand the gravity of this moment, but it feels like an added weight amidst the already-heavy air of the year 2020.

Mom says George couldn’t breathe. She told us his life mattered.

And although this isn’t the first Black man who has died at the hands of police, even with video documentation of such brutality, this moment could become the movement that pushes Black Lives Matter to the consciousness of those who haven’t been paying attention.

Because as cities across the country start to burn down in opposition to the continued legacy of anti-Black violence, we are reminded of Dr. King’s warning: “A riot is the language of the unheard.” And when a global pandemic traps the American people in their homes without the numbing agent of major league sports or the guilty pleasure of mindless entertainment, the news cycle plays on loop a troubled history repeated.

And a country is forced to listen.

Because this was my first birthday without Papa, I didn’t realize how much I would miss those Wal-mart gift cards he would send me every year.

But my sixth birthday was still a happy one because my village made sure to shower me with gifts, and love, and cupcakes.

In fact, turning six was quite the ride…

…literally! And being surrounded by family, eating a Pizza Corral supper, and playing with toys didn’t just bring me joy; I also felt a sense of normalcy. It was almost everything I needed…

…Still, I’d trade it all for one of Papa’s gift cards if it meant he could be here with me to celebrate.

Remember that cute message about how the societal response to the COVID-19 pandemic was an incredible act of global solidarity? …Where we all followed the CDC guidelines and did everything we could to take care of each other, especially the most vulnerable loved ones among us?

Well, that didn’t last long.

Masks have now been added to the long list of non-political political issues that divide our non-United States, so, this should be interesting…