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!
Three years since you left this earthly kingdom. We all sing (and dance) to you. Enjoy.
That would be Joan, Sid's ex-wife and the mother of his children, the first brunette dancer in the black dress.
My father, Charles Maxon, with the Paul Whiteman Band:
Say It With Music
I can't get a complete mp3 anywhere at this time that confirms Sid is on the drums, but I did confirm with Herb Stark that Sid played on the album with Ralph Flanagan "Always" (liner notes include Sid). Click on this link, and the click on the sample song "Rub-a-Dub-Dub" for a little drumming by Sid.
Here's Joan, Kelly, Leslie, me, Bob, Rick and Walter, back in the 1960's, with The Promised One. Saeed is the one chanting.
Leslie and Kelly singing one of Sid's favorite songs.
We Are One
Ruby and Summer
Gia Sachs
Move On
Aria Bruss and her brother, Gia
Kindly Heart
Kelsey Bulkin - Made In Heights
All The Places
RIP to our recently departed Eileen Norman, Jim Nelson, and Jane Russell (whom Sid enjoyed a special relationship with for a long time).
P.S. Sid, look out for my grandson, Zaire, as he transitions to a new and unknown home environment. He needs everyone's support and love.
Video two years ago of him singing to the YouTube video of Sugarland's "All I Want To Do." Well, not really singing, but trying to!
O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved. I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life.
O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord. --'Abdu'l-Baha
