I never realized the strength and courage of my mother until late in life. We had a rocky road for a very long time. I blamed a lot of my baggage on my mother and one day I opened my eyes and realized it was just an excuse not move forward with my life and then I understood my mother.
She came here from Cuba with 2 young children and never looked back. She always worked hard and never complained. One tough cookie, my Mom. She raised me Cuban style, that means no hanky panky with the boyfriends and always have a chaperone. Of course I sneaked out and did the typical teenage stuff but she stood her ground and by doing so taught me morals. A lesson I can never repay her.
When my dad died in 1987, it was tough for her. She still went out and worked and was a pillar of strength for my brother and me. To this day, I don't know and cannot imagine how she did it. I do know when things get tough for me, I keep going no matter what. Another lesson learned that I can never repay her.
Even today at the age of 72 she continues to work and refuses to retire. She loves NYC with all her heart and even though she enjoys visiting me in upstate NY, the city is and will always be her home.
I love that she will ride the subway late and tell you to mind your business if you complain about it. I love that she has never given up on my black sheep brother even tough he has put her through some very hard times. My youngest brother who was born here is always asking her to go live with him and she will not hear of it..visiting yes, living with..hell no. She says she will live in nursing home before she "inconveniences" one of her children.
Of course, that will never happen. I will drag her kicking and screaming if necessary and she will live with me when the time comes. My brother feels exactly the same way.
Mami, I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me. Thank you for being my beautiful mother.