Happy Birthday Sid!

You may be in the Abha Kingdom, but some of us are still partying here on Earth.


You are very much missed, Uncle Sid.

SIDNEY LOUISE PORTILLO

She's here!!!! We are so excited to announce the arrival of our new daughter, *Sidney Louise Portillo, *born on Monday, July 30, 2012 at 7:56am at Hospital de La Mujer in San Salvador, El Salvador, weighing 7lbs. 12 oz, 52 cm long.  I had a great and fast labor (5 hours), and we brought her home today to meet Leroy and be together with all her grandparents, Margie, Gary, Lisa, and Jess!!!

*-----More about her name-----*



She is named after my paternal grandfather, *Sidney Bulkin*, and Michael’s maternal great grandmother, *Louise Groger.*  Both were beloved relatives, who had lasting and significant impacts on our lives, and were one of the first people to become a Bahá’í in our families, Sid in 1957, and Louise in 1936. Sid was best known for his dynamic personality, incredible sense of humor and whole-hearted dedication to the Bahá’í Faith.  Along with my grandma Joan, he nurtured the family genes and love for music and the arts.  During his career as a jazz drummer, not only did he play with such stars as Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, but he also labored insistently to promote the ideals of love and unity to all mankind.  During the 50’s he contributed to breaking the color line by traveling and performing across the South in Billy Eckstine’s all black band.  I (and so many of us) remember and miss his great wit, stories, jokes, and lively conversation. Sidney means “wide meadow.”

Louise was an independent and stalwart woman, who after the passing of her husband, Theodore Groger, decided to pioneer for the Bahá’í Faith to the island of Chiloe, off the coast of Chile.  She was a “Knight of Baha’u’llah,” a title given to the first Baha’i pioneers of virgin territories, who promoted the teachings of Baha’u’llah, the prophet founder.  While there, she made money for herself by gardening and selling her flowers.  She later returned to northern California to live in Columbia (neighboring town to Twain Harte where the Bulkins live, and Sonora, where the Grogers continue to own property).  Michael (and many others) remember her peaceful presence, modesty and resoluteness.  Louise means “famous warrior.”

Sidney’s namesake makes us think of her great grandpa’s animated spirit, and her great-great grandmother’s independent strength, and happily reminds us of both their deep love towards our families, their service to humanity, and good will towards others.  We feel so lucky she has joined our family and we are so excited to welcome her to the world!