Tag Archives: family

Te Extraño Mucho, Grandma

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On this day 33 years ago, my maternal grandmother died due to complications from having suffered a stroke. I still remember the day I found out that she had died. My older sister came to pick me up from my school in our father’s old Chevy Nova. As soon as she told me what had happened, tears rolled down my face. I wish I knew then what I know now about what a stroke is and its symptoms. 😦

Grandma, not a day goes by where I don’t think about you. I’m sad that I only knew you for a short time, but you inspire me everyday to continue accomplishing my goals and dreams. You also taught me that perseverance and hard work pays off. I love you and miss you. One day I’ll see you again. ❤️

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Adios, 2015!

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2015 was a year of learning new lessons and of going through some heartbreaks…well, at least for me and my family.

February and April consisted of my brother being hospitalized due to health complications. After a few months off from work to recuperate, he returned to work and is back to doing what he enjoys. I love my brother dearly and I only want to see him happy. My hope is that 2016 will provide him with more strength and faith because he has certainly endured a lot.

In June, my mother celebrated a milestone birthday, so my sister and one of my mother’s good friends threw her a surprise birthday party. Unfortunately, three weeks later, my mother was also hospitalized due to complications with her health. For the next three and a half months, she was provided with therapy at home. She still has some trouble with her speech (i.e. saying one word for another), but she’s back to following a regular routine; however, with less responsibilities. My mother is my best friend and I don’t know what I’d do without her. I want her to continue getting better and I have faith, and I’m praying that she will.

In October, my father was informed by his physician and by another health specialist that he has to take more precaution with his health. My father has always been dependent on my mother, so I believe what she has gone through (as well as what my brother went through) has been really difficult on him. I’m also praying that his health will improve and I know he, my mother and my brother will be at my graduation in May. 😀

Between attending school full-time and taking on a majority of the responsibilities my mother once had, it has been a chaotic couple of months. A big thank you to my sister for her help, as well as to my cousin and her family, to my Godmother and her husband, and to my mother’s closest friend, for always being there to lend me and my family a helping hand. 🙂

My wishes for 2016: Happiness and prosperity for my family, but most importantly, I’m praying for each of my family member’s health to continue improving. I have faith that God will continue to watch over them. ♥

For my other family and friends: I wish you good health, happiness and prosperity.

As for myself: I want to see my family’s health improve, to finish my education, to find a career in my major/field, to travel and, who knows, maybe find the 🔑 to my ♥. 😀

 

Feeling Grateful

 

Alas, I’m finally on summer break/vacation from college! And last week, I found out my spring semester grades: all A’s! So happy I passed all my classes, but it took a lot of hard work, determination and sacrificing everything else in order to get those grades.

I’m grateful for the professors who tolerated my few absences this last semester. I spent a majority of those days shuffling between visiting my brother in the hospital (he was hospitalized twice earlier this year) and shuffling my parents to visit him or helping drive him to his doctor’s appointments (my sister has also been a tremendous help). Needless to say, my brother is healing and it’s only a matter of time until he is completely ‘on the mend.’ For this, I am grateful to God for hearing our family’s prayers and for restoring his faith.

One month ago, I applied for a summer internship near where I live. I applied for the position because I knew I was qualified for it. Needless to say, I never heard back from the company nor do I believe I ever will. I’m grateful to them that they didn’t consider me for the position because it allows me to work on some personal projects I’ve been wanting to work on for some time now and I’m also available to take my brother to his doctor’s appointments when my parents can’t take him. I’m taking the company’s rejection to mean that there’s something better out there and waiting for me in the Spring of 2016.

To my immediate family–which includes my parents, sister, brother, two nieces and nephew: I am grateful to them for always being there for me. Although I may not always be present or I may never say it enough to them, I appreciate their love, support, guidance and patience, and I’m glad to be a part of this family. As the saying goes, “Blood is thicker than water.”

To my community: I sometimes take it for granted for not appreciating it enough. I see the beauty and essence it provides to others, especially those who I share a close bond with (i.e. my childhood friends). Sometimes I feel like I don’t belong here. I’m grateful and will remember the fond memories it has provided me and my family, and friends.

To my close friends, especially those who have known me since childhood: I’m grateful for your insight, the things you’ve taught me, the advice you’ve provided, the talks/chats we’ve shared over the years and for the times you’ve been there for me.

And to anyone who has crossed paths with me recently: thank you for your inspiration, either through your words or your quotes. I appreciate all of them and for that I’m grateful.  🙂