Meeting a Blogger from California

With my husband’s blessing, I took the baby Levi on an airplane and went to California last Wednesday for my neice’s (sister’s daughter) wedding. She got married on Laguna Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, on Friday. It was simply beautiful. My other sister was also there from Colorado with her 15 year old son, as was one of my brothers from here in the Toledo area, and my mother. John stayed behind to care for our other three children and hold down the fort while the baby and I were away.

We all stayed in a hotel right on the beach for three nights during the wedding festivities, as my sister lives about an hour from there. The weather was lovely.


On Saturday, I met Antonio da Rosa – you know – the one with the blue book “Absolutely Free!” as his avatar. I drove halfway… and Antonio drove halfway… so that we could meet for lunch. We went to a “Hawaiian Barbeque.” I had chicken. Antonio ate three different things. One of the things looked like a jelly roll, but instead of jelly, it had spicy pork inside. The other was cabbage and shredded pork, and I can’t remember what the third thing was. Antonio was such a gentleman – he picked up the tab so graciously.

We talked about our group blog, about Antonio’s upcoming missions trip and about our families. He prayed in such a touching way. I had told him about my mother and how Catholic she is. He prayed that the light of Christ would shine through me and that she would desire to know Him, because of watching my life. (This was actually a very convicting prayer, even though I did not tell that to Antonio at the time.)

I have received emails from Antonio since almost right after he began blogging. My husband and I have spoken to him on the phone several times, so I already knew that he was very kind. He was even nicer in person and very unassuming. My husband describes him as ‘on fire for the Lord.’ I think that is a safe description, after having gotten to know him. I know he has taken a lot of guff for some of his beliefs and there are some things that I even take issue with, but certainly Antonio is a gift from God to all those who know him.

On my trip home I was pulled aside in the security line. I had to be wanded with the metal detector as I held the baby in one arm and lifted the opposing arm, and then switched. This security lady patted me down thoroughly. It must have been quite a sight! I suppose it was the coins in my pocket that caused all the trouble.

I had a wonderful time in California seeing my family and watching my niece get married. I also had a great time meeting one of my blogging friends. Still, nothing beats the familiarity of one’s own bed!