Standing on the rooftop of a glistening glass building, I felt a surge of adrenaline as I prepared to take flight. Inhaling deeply, the city lights twinkling below, I closed my eyes, leaned forward, and let myself fall into the void, surrendering to the emptiness as I began to float, flying smoothly above people on the street who didn’t seem to notice me.
“Paola, levántate!” The familiar call of my mother shattered the dream, pulling me back to reality. Disappointment lingered as the vivid fragments of an extraordinary, yet frequent dream in my youth, slowly dissipated and I began to feel the comforting smell of a delicious breakfast. “You’re going to be late for school!” she reminded me.
Many people ask where my discipline comes from. All you need to do is trace it back to the constant support and guidance I received from my mother. Her unwavering belief in my potential, tireless willingness to teach and guide me every day, and strategic doses of “chocolate caliente” and “huevo perico” (a traditional recipe of scrambled eggs, scallions, and tomatoes) laid a strong foundation for my success in my educational and personal pursuits.
Life can be compared to a flight. Taking off can feel as exciting as in my dream, or terrifying. Similar to travel destinations, we may wonder if certain jobs, careers, and relationships, are right for us. Sometimes, the flight may be smooth and enjoyable. At other times, we may be woken up from a dream by travel companions, crying babies, flight attendants, or turbulence. While onboard, we may meet people who become lifelong friends, while others may only be with us temporarily. However, one thing is sure: our parents have a powerful influence on our journey.
If you were fortunate enough to have a caring mother who has always been a part of your journey, like I have, then I hope you can always find comfort in the timeless wisdom passed down through Latinx generations.
The next time your mom wakes you from a dreamlike experience to remind you of your life’s purpose or to warn you against a potential danger, remember: “Te lo dice por tu bien.”
The next time you sit to plan your future carefully, be thankful that your mama taught you to be prepared for the unexpected by advising “Que te lleves un suéter o un paraguas por si acaso.”
The next time you go through a trying time remember when she said: “Mijita, no hay mal que por bien no venga,” and “Todo pasa por una razón.”
The next time you feel like achieving a goal is too difficult, remember what she used to tell you: “El que quiere azul celeste, que le cueste,” so don’t give up.
The next time you are hesitant about a decision, remember: “El que no arriesga, no gana!”
And if you’re still unsure of what to do in any given circumstance, especially if you’re metaphorically about to board a flight into the next chapter of your life, think of what your mom would do. She would probably be right, “Porque quiere lo mejor para ti.”
Also, you would probably have to listen anyway if she yells: “¡Porque soy tu mamá y punto!”
The next time you reminisce about a flying chancla or a mother’s plea to rise and shine, remember that beneath the tough exterior lies a fountain of love and relentless encouragement to pursue your most ambitious goals. Embrace her counsel, and listen to her advice, for in her words lie the keys to resilience, grit, and success however you define it.
Realize that this is the Latina way to say “I love you. I want the best for you, and I will not stop encouraging you until I’ve seen you become the best version of yourself that you can become.”
Moms, you were also right when you told us: “Algún día me lo agradecerás.”
So, on this Mother’s Day, I want to express my gratitude to my mom Adiela. ¡Feliz Dia de la Madre! (Happy Mother’s Day) to her and all Hispanic/Latina moms! Thank you for teaching us how to stay safe during life’s long flights and showing us the power of resilience and love.
If you enjoyed this article, send it to your mom or to other Latina moms that you want to celebrate.
This article was also published here: Medium
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