When I met Yvonne I wasn't quite sure what to think. She was polite and reserved; the quiet type. As I grow to know her, I am pleased that she agreed to marry my father. I'm not sure if there is anyone else willing or ready to take on one of my kin in a domestic relationship.
The Greenslate tribe of California can be quite a handful. We're a determined, serious, hard-working people. Our expectations are outrageously high; for ourselves and for others. We can be stubborn, arrogant, and at times bluntly insensitive. However, at our core we're
tender, thoughtful, and generous.
This was most clear at our most recent family event, my birthday. Last week I grew into my late-twenties, and after a wonderful Porcini Mushroom Stroganoff I was lucky enough to receive some expensive and much appreciated gifts. The thoughtful generosity of my family was clear. So much so, that none of the gifts will be things given away through this project. My grandmother made me promise. No family heirlooms will be passed on.
Once the evening started to wind down and as the So Delicious ice cream was settling, great conversation ensued. Somewhere along the line, things veered towards religion. Yvonne, having been ex-communicated from the Mormon church was kind enough to share some of her experiences with us; answering our questions and allowing us to pry into what is a fascinating religious group.
Our conversation allowed me to reveal my own feelings about religion, and by the end of the night it was clear that I needed to hand off Martha Beck's memoir "Leaving the Saints". Beck's account of the LDS community, and her allegations about the sexual abuse she received from her father, make for a vivid and compelling read.
In addition, having previously bonded with Yvonne about the singer/songwriter (and French first lady) Carla Bruni, I made sure to send her home with more music to enjoy. Beyond burning her copies of several albums I knew she would like, I also gave her my copy of Emily Haines' debut solo album "Knives Don't Have Your Back" and the most recent release from The One A.M. Radio "This Too Shall Pass".
I hope she likes them, and that I will be able to continue to call her family for a long time.
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