La Familia (The Family)

Family has always been the most valuable thing in my life, and our Hispanic family has always depended on each other; this is a cold world to be all alone and mom and dad have the most important role in the family. One day your parents will need your help in their golden years, relationships in a family are unique and should be treasured. Its all up to the family how strong those ties are. Directing your children the right way is extremely important. Everyone needs love and the support of an encouraging family. Without role models and mentors kids will never find their way. I never knew that I had a variety of possibilities in my life. Always feeling that I wasn't quiet good enough. Growing up I relied on my big sister; the only one I could look up to. Even then I felt I wasn't catching on to what she was trying to teach me, so instead of confirming that and asking for her help. I withdrew, and just thought I would never be as good, or as smart as she was. In fact I remember my mother telling one of our neighbors, that I just wasn't very smart, and probably wouldn't do good in school, so she didn't have high hopes for me. You can imagine how this really shot me down. I was afraid to speak up in class thinking the other kids would laugh at me. I was so insecure about myself, so I fell though the cracks , like so many do, and didn't receive an education until thirty years later. I don't think my mother realized the harm she did to me. My mother never did get an education herself, so the only thing she knew was survival. I am not blaming anyone but I was in need of help, and didn't get it. My sister did all she could but she wasn't an adult, so she couldn't keep me from failing. The good news is that I got my GED and then went on to get my Medical Assistant Certification and got a great job at a hospital. I feel so proud of myself, it took a while but that doesn't matter, the thing that is important is how I fell about myself now, which is fantastic. Amen!

I remember when I was about five years old, my grandfather had a farm, it was a few acres, and I loved it. He had pigs, horses, goats, and my favorite animal was the baby pigs, they were so cute. My grandpa would put me on his shoulders and off we would go to see the pigs. He was very proud of his accomplishment as he should be. Most of us were born on this farm, in that small little house. Everyone enjoyed this farm including aunts and uncles and their children. All the children played outside all day long, and had plenty to do, (unlike this generation of children who have so much technology at hand that they hardly even go outdoors to play anymore) having the out doors and all the animals around us we learned very important lessens about nature. I will never forget My Grandfather and being on the farm. I am sure it wasn't easy for my grandfather to acquire this farm because money was hard to come by in our family. I appreciate every thing my grandfather did for our family

This is my grandfather and my Grandmother. My father is on the left and my uncle is on my grandmothers lap. They had five boys, and two girls.This picture is so awesome,it's unique and has dignity. The picture tells a story of long ago. A second generation of a Mexcian family in the United States. My grandmother never did smile in any picture that she ever took. I can only remember bits and pieces of my handsome grandfather. I can only imagine the hard life they had to deal with. My grandfather died in his early fifties and my grandmother when she was 89 years old, I truly regret not having the pleasure of getting to know him better.

These are my siblings, five girls and two boys. Times were so simple back then. I aways felt like I had to look out for the younger ones. I am not the oldest, but I am the second, and have felt every moment being number two in the family. It was hard going to first grade, not knowing any English. Some of the other students made fun of me because my English was bad, so I felt out of place. Eventually I learned to speak English very well without an accent .Thanks to my oldest sister, which helped me a great deal with my education.I loved being part of a big family there was always something to do, and someone to talk to. I think we were nicer to each other back then. Its only when we got older that we became critical of each other.

My little sister's wedding. She looked so beautiful that day. I have been to two weddings;my big sister's, and my youngest sis.

Both very nice. My youngest sis had a traditional Mexican wedding which was great. We had music and we danced, and the food was fantastic My oldest sister's wedding was at a Baptist church it was also fun, but without the dancing. The family did their best to be part of every wedding. Once you have been to a Mexican wedding you will never forget it. We all had a lot of fun that day. All my sisters are so pretty and so much fun to be with. I could feel how happy she was that day, It was a very special day.

My dearest mother, she has always been there when I needed her. She really doesn't know how to show love however. She has come to realize how important it is to give affection, and her love. I cry for her knowing she never knew her mother's love ,because my grandmother died when my mom was two years old, therefore lacking the love of a mother. It was awkward for her to show love to her own children. Every mothers day she feels the pain. My mother will go into her room and morn the loss of her mother. This makes the whole family very sad, and we try to support her the best way we can. The love of our mother is what holds us together as a family.