A tomato and mayo sandwich, forget the bologna, my Ma always told me about how my Abuela would make these sandwiches for her when she was younger (her and her 4 sisters and 6 brothers). She always told me that growing up she never even thought that she was "poor," there was always food on the table, a roof over their head and clothes on their backs. So they didn't have any bologna, a tomato and mayo sandwich did the job. Listening to her stories about growing up and how she would go with my grandmother to clean houses when she was little, makes me admire her even more. She tells these stories with such detail and enthusiasm, I think she gets these story telling skills from my Abuelo. How fortunate I am to sit in my kitchen, while sipping on some Peat's coffee and hear these stories of hard work, respect and tomato sandwiches. There is never a sign of regret or complaints, just of appreciation of her hardworking parents. When I was little, I remember a time where we had ran out of ham and my Ma improvised with tomato, this was the first time I heard the story of the hearty sandwich. Let me just say the sandwich was amazing. Hard working immigrants from Mexico, worked even harder when they arrived to the United States. Diligent workers now U.S. citizens motivate me and inspire me to be committed to my work. I know no matter how hard I try it won't equal what they have accomplished. My grandparents, 11 kids, 30 grandchildren and four great grandkids later, have paved the way so that when my mother tells these stories of tomato sandwiches, it reminds me how far they've come. My Abuelo will be 79 next Friday, and now it's our turn to spoil him. Thanks, Abuela y Abuelo, for all the hearty meals you provided my mother, she did right by both of you. I take a lot from my family, my parents lessons, their stories and I try my best to carry them with me whenever I make my decisions. As a writer you have an inspiration, you have something that drives you, and I can happily say that it is my family. The diversity of ideas and faces that my family, inspires me to write with an open mind. The hard working hands of my family, remind me to always go by truth and help those less fortunate than myself. For all the hearty meals to come served with a side of a great story, Im ready and blessed.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Blogging, Writing, Archives
January 2018
Categories |