Virginia Gonzales once said, one Thanksgiving evening at 469 LaGrande Avenue, "From this tree, Grows many branches...," capturing the essence of family, heritage, and connection. This simple yet profound statement symbolizes the strength and resilience of familial bonds that extend beyond generations. Just as a sturdy tree nurtures numerous branches, each representing a unique individual, so too does a family cultivate diverse paths, experiences, and stories.  

In every branch, [Lawrence, Yvonne, Raymond, Prizgar, Toy, Claudia, Norma, Elsa and Robert], we find a legacy intertwined with love, shared memories, and individual journeys, all rooted in deep traditions and values. Each offshoot grows in its own direction, flourishing under the guidance of those who came before, yet remaining anchored to a shared identity. Virginia's "Virgie" or "Granny" (mother, grand mother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother) words remind us that while each branch may lead to different adventures, they all belong to the same tree—our family tree—strengthening our connection and celebrating the beauty of our differences while honoring our common roots.