My mom, Dolores, had to endure a countless number of things in her lifetime growing up in Mexico. Her name means "sorrowful". She also goes by "Lola" and her uncles and aunts use to call her "Lolita". Many of the stories she tells of her childhood deal with seemingly insurmountable despair. She grew up quickly.
Motherhood has been her role for the majority of her life. First and foremost, she naturally bore 12 children. Yes, 12! She had 6 boys and 6 girls, and I am number 11 in the lineup. I have one younger brother. As you can imagine, the diapers alone were an amazing amount of daily work and keeping everyone fed was a gigantic stress. She did it all: washing, ironing, cooking, and cleaning while babies everywhere needed her. I cannot imagine, even having two, how she coped. They say my son has my temperament as a child--God bless my mother! I am so thankful to her for her sacrifices. She sacrificed of herself and her comfort daily for the comfort of her children--she was called to.
Dolores is a truly amazing woman. If the tireless nights and work alone were not enough, she also had to keep strong in her faith that one day things would get better and her children would always be protected by God. She was a rock in her faith that the Lord was always near. She constantly prayed safety over us and willed blessings into our lives. To this day, she is continuously praying over and thinking about all of her children. I truly believe God has heard and answered her prayers. I respect her because despite so much negativity around her, she never cursed or turned to the world for answers. Her answers always came from God. I appreciate her example so much and of course, she contributed to my own faith.
Dolores is a woman deep with faith and love. She is a servant and stronghold. I love her immensely! I can never repay you for your sacrifices, Mamá, but I can honor you the only ways I know how. Te amo con todo mi corazón!
Here's my mom with my son when he was firstborn in February, 2009.
