Para mi mamá: my strength and inspiration

I distinctly remember being 5 years old and patiently waiting at 3 AM for my mom to come home. She took the graveyard shifts at Wendy’s in order to spend time with us during the day. And of course, always making sure she bought back chicken nuggets.

My mom has always been a go-getter. Her head was always thinking of ways she could provide her five kids with a better life, one that was easier than hers. This dedication translated to her owning a taco truck with my father. Fast forward to my teenage years in high school and the trend of waking up at 3 AM to talk to my mom still occurred. This time around, she watched me finish last-minute assignments and projects. Our happiest memories were always at this time; playing loud cumbias and rancheras in our kitchen while she prepared food for her taqueria.

My mom has always been my figure of resiliency, female empowerment, and what it means to be poderosa especially in the age of the pandemic. When my parents lost their business due to COVID, they questioned their true purpose. Working abusive hours has consumed their entire lives. During this time my mom fought to find opportunities for new income. In our spare time, we were able to start a small Etsy shop called Ojitos Alegres. Like the powerful woman that my mom is, she designed and created crochet earrings in order to make side income. Creating and thinking of new ideas together for our shop has been the highlight of our bleak quarantine life. Her dedication, values and hard work motivates me everyday. One day is never enough to show her how grateful I am to have a mother like her in my life, which is why we celebrate both the American and Mexican Mothers day to show her how strong of a matriarch she is in our family.

To all the mothers and mother-figures, thank you for empowering us with your hard work and dedication in making sure we have the best life possible.