My Grandfather's 70th Birthday Party

By EricMesa

- 3 minutes read - 533 words

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“478” caption=“Abuelo Sotero enjoying the Party”] Enjoying the Party[/caption]

After our mini-vacation to Naples, we went to Hialeah, Fl for my grandfather’s 70th birthday party.  I wrote in May about wanting to capture photos of my grandfather at his birthday party.  I was definitely able to do that.

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“The Sign for Our Section of the Park”] The Entrance to Pavilion Four[/caption]

We got to the party way before my grandfather (it was a surprise party) so we could help set up.

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“The table decorations”] Cigar and Hat Party Favors[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“alignleft” width=“160” caption=“Cassandra playing baseball”] Cassandra swinging at Dan’s Pitch[/caption]

While we waited for him to arrive, the kids played baseball. It was very fun to see them playing because the equipment was just so large for their tiny frames. I took some time to try and capture some of that fun childhood innocence.

[caption id="" align=“alignnone” width=“160” caption=“Kenny and Alex playing baseball”] Brothers Playing Baseball[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“As he approached, he had no idea the party was for him. Here he still hadn’t quite figured it out.”] Arriving, but not yet Comprehending[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Finally figuring it out, he turns to my grandmother who was in on the plans”] Realizes the Party is in His Honor[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Kenny runs up to greet him”] Kenny Goes to Welcome Abuelo[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“And is enthusiastically received”] Returning the Hug[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“333” caption=“The emotions begin to overwhelm.”] Overwhelmed by Everyone at the Party[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“432” caption=“Hugs began between family and friends”] Hugging Cousin[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“333” caption=“Dan’s most dominant genes come from his grandfather. They look almost exactly alike in photos of our grandfather when he was a kid.”] Dan and Abuelo[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“A very common sight with my grandfather”] Lighting Up[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“333” caption=“My grandmother and grandfather dance”] Dancing with his Wife 1[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“And dance…”] Dancing with his Wife 3[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Dan was using my fuji camera to film the proceedings since my dad’s video camera was busted”] Dan Video Taping Near My Dad[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“333” caption=“My uncle Raul and his wife, Amy dancing”] Raul and Amy Dancing is not a reason to Interrupt the Smoking[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“My grandfather enjoying the Punto Cubano - a form of Cuban freestyle singing about the guest of honor commonplace in the countryside.”] Enjoying the Punto Cubano 1[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Another portrait enjoying the party”] Enjoying the Punto Cubano 2[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“One of the Punto Cubano Poets”] One of the Punto Cubano Poets[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“The other Punto Cubano Poet”] The Other Punto Cubano Poet[/caption]

Here is the, admittedly lo-fi, recording my brother made of the Punto Cubano. Be forewarned if you know Spanish, there are some dirty jokes here so determine whether or not your kids or bosses should hear this.

Punto Cubano for Sotero Mesa from djotaku on Vimeo.

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“No Cuban party would be complete without a game of dominoes”] A Cuban Party isn’t a Party without a game of Dominoes[/caption]

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Contemplating his next move”] Taking a Puff[/caption]

I was so happy that I attended this party.  I got to catch up with family members I hadn’t spoken with in ages.  I got tons of photos of my family, especially my grandfather.  And it was great to be there to see my grandfather’s face when he realized the party was for him.  I think that moment will be with me for a long time.

[caption id="" align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Shuffling the dominoes”] Scrambling the Dominoes for the Next Game[/caption]