June 2018

I wasn’t sure what I would find at the Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute (AWNHI) I hadn’t been there for years. I left Puerto Rico the end of May in 2009. Over the years I kept in touch on and off with a few people. Much more the first few years with email and a few phone calls, but little by little that started to become less and less. Then the last few years, I reconnected with some old friends and coworkers through Facebook. Facebook is great for keeping in touch with people, but it’s just not the same as actual face time.

What kept me away for so long? Who knows, life just gets busy and suddenly you realize it’s been 9-years! Holy crap! How did that happen and what made me think seriously about going back for a visit?

On December 4, 2017 the following was posted on Leola’s timeline: “Late yesterday my beautiful, sweet, loving daughter Anita (Bunny) Brooks went on to be with God. She is my heart and soul, and I will love her and miss her so much. Thank you everyone for the outpouring of love and support that you have shown me and my family. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and your prayers. Love you all.”

My God it was such a shock. I know Leola must be devastated and I wanted to offer her my love and support. Mostly I just wanted to put my arms around her and tell her how very sorry I was to hear about Anita.  I couldn’t get through with the phone number I had and from the post on Facebook, I knew she was in California and not at the Institute. Time went by and on I’m ashamed to say, but, I guess I sort of just gave up trying to find Leola, life got in the way and I was distracted right up until June 12, 2018. It was Leola’s 88^th birthday. I always remember her birthday because it’s the same day as my sister Linda’s, and I remember the year because it’s in my google calendar.

In June, I was so relieved to see a post by Manuel Acevedo Santiago.   It was a selfie of him and Leola Brooks. I instantly sent an IM to Manuel asking, ¿Dónde está Leola? I needed to find out if it was an old photo or just taken. Manuel responded that she was at the Institute in Puerto Rico! Woohoo! I found her. I knew I had to go to Puerto Rico. OK, part of it was selfish. I wanted / needed to do a healthy holistic cleanse and for me personally I don’t think there is any place on earth better to accomplish this.

This is going to be great! I’ll get to see Leola and Lalita, see some other old friends, do a cleanse and see what’s left after Maria’s devastation. This trip is long overdue.

See that little green dot on the north western end of the map? That’s where I’m heading, Aguada, PR.