Dad: With pride and love, I can say that I am a daddy's girl. My father has always been my rock. For as far as I can remember my dad and I hang-out for no other reason than to be in each other's presence. My dad has always accepted me for me and continues to do so. He listens to my fears, concerns, triumphs and challenges with an open heart and mind. Even when I would make mistakes he would be the first to lend his hand and show me how to pick up the pieces. He is a man of few words but, his smile, hugs and winks always make me feel valued and loved. Sundays as I call them are always daddy's day. Although a few years ago he retired and moved to P.R (the day my heart broke), I make sure to call and recap the week with my dad just like I did when he was here in NY. My son and daughter also follow in the tradition of making sure every Sunday morning we call grandpa to tell him of the special events that we may have had during the week. Christmas' are extremely special to us because it is the one time of year we are guaranteed to see him and enjoy the holiday together. I am blessed to still have in my life and cherish every moment we have together. I just love my daddy and my heart fills with so much joy to know my kids have him in their life as well. I know I am the patient parent today because of my dad.
Mom: My mom is an amazing woman that has taught me to stand up for what I believe in and has always applauded my triumphs. However, she was always the first to point out my mistakes and make clear how she felt. Although for years this hurt and aggravated me, today I am thankful today because she saw the potential in me that I failed to recognize. Growing up my mom was the strict parent that laid down the law. Of course as a child I wasn't always fond of my mothers authoritative ways. Today, I understand that someone had to keep control of our behavior, set limits, and guidelines (because I know I wasn't always the "angel") but more so that she had high expectations for me and my siblings. I am thankful for her guidance and the unconditional love she provided me as a child and still today. My dad showed me how to pick up pieces while I thank my mother for showing me how to put them back together and move forward with a stronger mind set. However, I am lucky enough to have her so close that she is the caregiver to my children. I still turn to her with questions about how best to guide and discipline my children. My mom is the most strong willed, independent, fun loving woman that I have ever met. She is always willing to face any challenge and not afraid to be honest. I admire her qualities and hope to be just half the woman she is today.
Grandma: Growing up in a Hispanic family meant grandma was always around and very much involved. I can vividly remember waking up every morning to the rich smell of brewing coffee and cinnamon oatmeal. My grandma was always there to see me off to school and the first one to welcome me home with a warm plate of rice, beans, and chicken. However, what I hold dear to my heart are the many long conversations about her childhood and religion. I didn't have the typical grandma that came bearing gifts around holidays. The gift that my grandmother passed to me are the family traditions, values, morals, and belief in god. Although today our conversations are short but the impact is still grand. I pray everyday that the good man above give her strength to face another day because I always have so much to learn and I still seek her kind gentle words.
Aunt: Words can not to begin to describe my aunt. If I had to sum up a description about her, I would say that she is fun! Growing up as a child I spent many weekends with my aunt. She always made time for me and my siblings. I have always been able to confide in her and share my secrets. We traveled together and embarked on many journeys. She has been a positive influence in life and an amazing role model. I trust her more than anything in this world, so much so that both my have her as a Godmother. When my parents weren't able to attend school events, I could always count on my aunt to be there to cheer me on. Today she does the same for my kids! When my parents divorced my aunt was there to help my siblings and I cope. She is a great listener and has a calming sense of self making it that much easier to talk to her. My aunt is still very much apart of my life and I am thankful for that.
Last but not least on my list of people that have cared and nurtured me was my
Kindergarten teacher. I am an educator today because of the influence of Ms. Firman. When I began kindergarten in the very early 80's there was no bilingual or dual- language classes. I began Kindergarten speaking only Spanish and came from the era of sink or swim. I remember my first day of kindergarten like it was just yesterday. I remember Ms. Firman being patient, loving, and gentle with me. I was extremely shy and timid but Ms. Firman always assured me that I was fine and in a safe environment. She helped me explore and never ever made me feel different than the others. Anytime I made an attempt to participate or initiate play with the others she was right behind me encouraging me. I never felt judged or disconnected from the other students. Ms. Firman believed in the buddy system because I can remember each person had someone to sit with and seek help from. I gained the enthusiasm for education from Ms. Firman. Every morning she would greet us at the door and come around and individually asked how our evening/weekend was. I was always happy to share my experiences with her. When I moved up to second grade I remember going to visit Ms. Firman across the hallway several times a week. When I learned how to finally tie my shoes, she was the first person I showed. Of course, she was happier than me that I learned a new skill. Unfortunately, years before I graduated she passed away. I always think of her and keep her enthusiasm for learning fresh in my mind. I wish I could have shown her how far I have come and how much she impacted my life!
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