Mother's day in Mexico is the 10th of May. I rather prefer the second Sunday in May idea, Sundays are a good day for family, but either works. In fact it just occurred to me, I think I should celebrate both. I'm declaring Mother's day for our house be today and tomorrow :)
I want to dedicate this blog to my mother-in-law. Why not to my mother, you might ask? Well this is supposed to be about becoming Mexican and my mom is definitely not Mexican. She is however my best friend and I will be lucky to be even half as good of a mother as she is.
But onto my Mother-in-law. I am blessed. I realize that typically mother-in-laws or suegras and daughter-in-laws or nueras don't usually get along. There's even been a movie "Monster-in-law" to dramatize this usually estranged relationship. But as I said I am blessed.
I have known my suegra for 18 years now. I met her long before my husband and I were even thinking of each other. But it's been within the last year that I've really gotten to know her. There are several words that come to mind when I think of my suegra, Ma de Rosario Viesca Davila Gallegos.
Strong- along with being a recent breast cancer survivor she has to be one of the strongest women I've ever met. When she went into labor with my husband she walked herself to the hospital. She didn't complain at all through the delivery of my cuanda (sister-in-law) and when asked by others in the hospital, she simple said "Why? It's not going to change anything?".
Gracious- I have watched her over the years deal with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations. She is kind and gracious to everyone. On trips to Mexico if families weren't able to host some of the youth she would simply pull out more sleeping bags and take everyone. Then she would get up in the morning and start cooking pancakas (pancakes- another Spanglish word).
Hard working- she never stops. I had to tell her yesterday that she was not allowed to cook, clean, wash, or launder anything today. That today was Mother's day and it was her day to rest. When my son came suddenly 2 and half months early this last August she was on a plane the very next day. She swept into our house and for two months while we dealt with the difficulties of having our son in the NICU she cooked, cleaned, laundered and even made my bed. I couldn't have asked for more.
A Domestic Goddess- is there anything this woman can't do? She cuts my hair for Pete's sake!
A Respected Voice- While my father-in-law is the Pastor, his ministry would not have been complete without my suegra. When she gives advice to families, they listen. When they are in need, she helps. She's been the glue that has held congregations together.
Finally, as most of you know, she's a Top Chef. My cunada and I were shopping together the other day and I went to buy a can of soup. She looked at it and said "I've never had soup from a can." Everything my suegra makes is homemade and seriously delicious. She can make lentil soup tasty.
So, although this is all in English and my cuanda is going to have to translate if for her, Rosario you are loved and appreciated. Happy Mother's Day.
I want to dedicate this blog to my mother-in-law. Why not to my mother, you might ask? Well this is supposed to be about becoming Mexican and my mom is definitely not Mexican. She is however my best friend and I will be lucky to be even half as good of a mother as she is.
But onto my Mother-in-law. I am blessed. I realize that typically mother-in-laws or suegras and daughter-in-laws or nueras don't usually get along. There's even been a movie "Monster-in-law" to dramatize this usually estranged relationship. But as I said I am blessed.
I have known my suegra for 18 years now. I met her long before my husband and I were even thinking of each other. But it's been within the last year that I've really gotten to know her. There are several words that come to mind when I think of my suegra, Ma de Rosario Viesca Davila Gallegos.
Strong- along with being a recent breast cancer survivor she has to be one of the strongest women I've ever met. When she went into labor with my husband she walked herself to the hospital. She didn't complain at all through the delivery of my cuanda (sister-in-law) and when asked by others in the hospital, she simple said "Why? It's not going to change anything?".
Gracious- I have watched her over the years deal with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations. She is kind and gracious to everyone. On trips to Mexico if families weren't able to host some of the youth she would simply pull out more sleeping bags and take everyone. Then she would get up in the morning and start cooking pancakas (pancakes- another Spanglish word).
Hard working- she never stops. I had to tell her yesterday that she was not allowed to cook, clean, wash, or launder anything today. That today was Mother's day and it was her day to rest. When my son came suddenly 2 and half months early this last August she was on a plane the very next day. She swept into our house and for two months while we dealt with the difficulties of having our son in the NICU she cooked, cleaned, laundered and even made my bed. I couldn't have asked for more.
A Domestic Goddess- is there anything this woman can't do? She cuts my hair for Pete's sake!
A Respected Voice- While my father-in-law is the Pastor, his ministry would not have been complete without my suegra. When she gives advice to families, they listen. When they are in need, she helps. She's been the glue that has held congregations together.
Finally, as most of you know, she's a Top Chef. My cunada and I were shopping together the other day and I went to buy a can of soup. She looked at it and said "I've never had soup from a can." Everything my suegra makes is homemade and seriously delicious. She can make lentil soup tasty.
So, although this is all in English and my cuanda is going to have to translate if for her, Rosario you are loved and appreciated. Happy Mother's Day.
I love this! Reminds me of my own madrecita and of the strengtha and beauty of Mexican women. Beautifully captured, Julie. Feliz Dia de Las Madres, Rosario!
ReplyDelete