I grew up with a big family. Like a lot of us lucky Latinas, I was always surrounded by a crew of cousins, Titi's and Tio's. I wouldn't give up my tribe for the world. In addition to my sister, I had a cousin who was born just a few months before me and ever since we were toddlers we've been thick as thieves. Even now, 30 years later, she is like my hermana.
My Tio's and Titi's were all super important to me growing up. But two women hold a very, very special place in my heart and they always will. They are my abuelitas and I can't really remember a time when I didn't live with one of them in our home growing up.
Of course my mother and father were always around, but my mom had a high-powered career and relied on her mom and my dad's mom a lot to take care of us when she had to work.
As a result, my grandmother's played a really huge role in my life growing up. I know a lot of Latinas share this experience and I wouldn't trade it for the world! I feel like we are so lucky to have a culture where we are always surrounded by our extended families and abuelas.
I also feel like sometimes abuelas and the incredibly important role they play in our lives get overlooked in the celebration of Mother's day. My mom was just about the best mom any little girl could get, but I am so grateful that my grandmother's were there with me every step of the way growing up.
My grandmothers taught me Spanish, the joys of arroz con leche and to be wary of teenage boys. They are also super different from each other. My maternal grandmother–may she rest in peace–was much more traditional and (tried) to teach me the finer points of being a lady like needle point and cooking. My paternal grandmother is a firecracker. She curses like a truck driver and can rock anyone at a game of Dominoes.
Both of them are so very special to me and I love them so much and treasure every moment I've been able to spend with them. So this mother's day, I'd like to give a very special shout out to all of our abuelas that have wiped our tears, changed our diapers, cooked our food and kept our parents from going crazy!
I love you abuelita!!!
