GMA's Amazing Family: The Limons
A U S T I N, Texas, Feb. 19 -- If you've ever been to Austin, Texas, you might have met a Limon. After all, there are 2,000 Limons in the city, and they're all part of the same amazing family.
In day two of Good Morning America's "America's Most Amazing Family" series, members of the Limon family shared their amazing story of love.
The Limon family story began with one man — Jose Limon. He left Mexico for Austin back in 1889. He and his wife had 11 children. And a family historian says their desire for a large brood continued on in Limon family tradition.
"They had seven boys and four girls, and most of those original members then had 11 children each," said Cathy Berrya, a family historian.
Five generations later, Limons are everywhere. Inocencia Herrera married into the clan and had 20 children. All but one still lives in Austin.
"I have 43 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren and two are on the way," Herrera said. "It's a big thrill and they bring me a lot of happiness."
Lonnie Limon, the one who contacted GMA with the story of the Limon family, is a marketing executive in New York City. He traveled back to Austin to be with the Limons this past weekend.
Many of the Limons live on the same street. They have their own Web site too, just to keep track of each other. It's nearly impossible to remember everyone's name since the family tree is 21 pages long.
"There's a lot of my cousins who I've known for 20 years, and I still don't know their name," said Lonnie. "For years we've called each other 'coz.' "
The Limon family is big enough to start their own choir, and they have. The entire St. Julia's church choir is made up of Limons.
And there are more benefits that come along with being part of such a big family.
When Dorothy Limon married into the family 32 years ago, she didn't know she had joined the biggest support group imaginable. She fought breast cancer last year and is now in remission. She says her huge family got her through her illness.
"It's wonderful, it really is — to know that you have such a wonderful and loving family. I couldn't ask for a better family," said Dorothy Limon.
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