This was a speech I wrote in my freshman year of college, I figured I would share it with everyone on this wise woman's birthday.Maria Del Refugio Vazquez a woman of many words and life long lessons. My grandmother who I called Tati, was an altruistic and sage woman. She not only had a backbone for herself but for every member of the family. What she said went. If she said don’t, you didn’t. If you disobeyed, there would be ramification. My Tati was the wise woman and we went to her for guidance, help, words of wisdom and food. My grandmother taught me many things, but one lesson that she taught me and also reminded me everyday, never let anyone get me down, stand up for myself no matter what and to have strength. Never let anyone tell you that you cant, never let peoples negative opinion get you down, no matter what you fight what you believe in and to never feel ambivalent towards my dreams. Her lesson that she told me everyday never give up on yourself. Since I could remember my grandmother always said “no te dejes” don’t let yourself. Don’t look for a fight but if it finds you don’t ever let someone get the best of you. No te dejes, my grandmother did not teach me to be hard headed or closed minded, she taught me to be strong because life wouldn’t slow down, you just had to keep up. And no matter what she would always be proud of me if I was proud of myself but then, she would say even if you weren’t proud of yourself, I would still be proud. My Tati believed and taught me that, being strong is a way of life. These lessons from my grandmother have helped me in everyday situations. Believing in myself is the greatest lesson my grandmother taught me. Being strong is now a way of life and no matter the situation I try my best and never give up on myself. Find strength in yourself so you can give your all to the best of your ability. My grandmother has taught me lessons that I will always keep close and dear to my heart. My grandmother has made the most influence in my life in the best possible way. She has taught me strength, never to give up on myself, and her love will forever be eternal. The wise woman always knew what to say in difficult situations. My grandmother knew how to keep the family together with the magic of food. She was the rock in the center and everyday she taught us how to be our own rock. In the summer of 2010 my grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After a year of chemo she beat cancer, almost a year after the cancer came back. She fought again, harder than before and even with cancer, she cooked and cleaned for her family everyday. Throughout this extremely hard time her lessons of strength were always in my head. On November 25, 2012 my grandmother lost her battle with cancer. Her lessons are what keep me going, my motivation to do better and to be better because even til the very end my grandmother never stopped fighting.
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January 2018
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