Gentlewoman, Monica Gonzalez

Every now and then a person comes along and transforms from an acquaintance to not only a friend, but a sister.  Monica Gonzalez is that person for me.  We went to the same high school, heck even danced alongside each other in Drill Team, but we never got to really know each other until a couple years ago.  We share same interests from music, books, Oprah and spirituality. We hit it off on social media and eventually became such good friends as she not only became my cheerleader but a fellow sister in Christ.

I have to tell you, this blog would not be alive if it wasn’t for a handful of ladies who encouraged me and Monica was one of those angels who kept the fire going in me even after I lost it myself.  She was my little messenger and continues to be.  I will always carry a special place in my heart for her for the continued support that she has for me.

 

 

For those people who don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

My name is Monica Gonzalez; I am a mother of two little girls and have been married to my high school sweetheart of 14 years (together 14 years and married for 12).  My favorite hobby is photography and I love reading anything positive.

 

 

We met in high school, but somehow became closer via Facebook with our similar posts and interests.  You became one of my biggest cheerleaders.  I’ve noticed you are that way with others as well.  Where did you become such a lifter/encourager/messenger?

When I had my oldest daughter, my support system only consisted of my family and my husband’s family at the time with the exception of three close net friends. A majority of the people that I knew were only acquaintances. To have the support system that I do now that has grown over the years is truly a blessing. You want to graciously give to those what you never had. You want to share, inspire, support and encourage others because what you might say or do will forever change someone’s life.  When I look back now, the people that were placed in my life were for reasons that lead me to where I am now. You were placed in someone’s life at the right time, at the exact moment they needed you. Nothing is coincidence.

I invited you to Fellowship Church one day.  You gave it a try and you’ve been attending ever since.  Your girls are going to FC Kids and your husband is attending as well. How has attending church changed the dynamic for your family?

We have seen the changes within our daughters within their spiritual growth and belief in God. One thing that Fellowship church provided in the area that we lacked was truly explaining to our kids, who God and Jesus are. My oldest child, Vida, was baptized by Catholic faith when she was a baby. Vida recently made the decision to get baptized again and to publicly announce her love for God is truly special. As for my youngest, Bella said one day to us, “God made me and God created everything”. It’s just been amazing and music to my ears to hear them speak about God. As for me and my husband, our faith is much stronger and more united in our marriage.    

 

What is your favorite bible verse?   What does this verse mean to you?

I have many but my most favorite is “In Everything, Give Thanks” Thessalonians 5:18.  To know and practice the power of gratitude was life changing for me. When I learned about it and started practicing it by writing in my gratitude journal every day I was able to express it, feel it, and in turn gratitude became embedded within me. I began to see positive changes within myself and in my life. I have that verse mounted on my dining room wall. Whether I had a good day or a bad day, it has become a daily reminder to give thanks to God in all that I have, even of the smallest of things.

 

I was really happy to meet your husband the other day.  I know it means a lot to you to have your family as a whole attending church.  For a while, you were attending alone. Can you share some of the struggles and triumphs that have occurred over the last year?

Attending church as a married couple was a struggle. My husband was highly disappointed and lost his faith in the church. He thought that he didn’t need the church to believe in God. It was a constant clash to get him to join the girls and me. Even though I felt alone in my faith, in the decision of attending a church once again (which was a very long time), I just simply stopped asking my husband and gave my worries to God and started praying about it. That all drastically changed when a major shift occurred at my job. I also found out something about my management that nearly broke my heart and put me in a dark place for a while. My husband saw the negative change and the doubt that I had in God. I was bringing all that negative energy home. It affected both of us. On September 7, 2014, which was his birthday weekend (that’s why I remember and makes it even that much dear to my heart), my husband decided to join me to Fellowship church for the first time. It’s been an amazing 9 months since then. My husband actually takes the initiative to get us going Sunday morning, he tithes, and when we aren’t able to attend church; he’ll grab our laptop and have us sit in our living room couch watching Fellowship Church live online. Just recently, he saw few of his friends at church and to hear him speak to them about what he likes about Fellowship church and the positivity that he expresses just brings a smile to my face. It’s just another testimony that God does listen to your prayers and perfect timing.

 

I’ve invited a lot of people to Fellowship.  I’ve noticed some people go right away, while others take a while to attend and others never come.  Why do you think some people never make it a priority to get up on Sunday to make it in?  Were you ever in that position?

 It’s how much we want to seek God on a Sunday, I believe. Yes, some of us seek him five minutes of our day, through our devotionals, reading our bibles, even through prayer. It took me a while to understand that Sundays are more than that. They are about surrounding yourself with others in the word of God, in refueling our spiritual gas tank that prepares us for the coming week that lies ahead. It’s a haven for those who just need to be reminded that everything is going to be okay in whatever circumstances that we face. I was in that position a while back before attending Fellowship church. I thought the same way my husband did. I didn’t feel the need to go because I believed in God and I didn’t need the church. But again, that changed when I started practicing gratitude and seeing these amazing changes in my life occur. I sought God everyday and it became a spiritual hunger for me. I wanted to seek God more than ever before. That’s when you introduced me to Flavour Sisterhood and that was it for me. I was hooked.

 

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

To never give up on accomplishing my goals, my dreams, to trust God that with all things are possible with him at your side.

 

Who inspires you and why?

My mother and two older brothers have inspired me. My mother, being a single mother, trying to raise five kids to the best of her ability and wanting to give them the best that she could was hard. But she did it with no excuses. She raised us with moral values and whatever circumstances that she faced, she never showed her weakness to us. My mother faced a lot of challenges but her strength never subsided, never wavered.  My older brothers shadowed me as father figures. They taught me valuable lessons that they learned while they themselves were growing up. They kept me grounded and always encouraged me to stay head strong and focused. Each one was distinct from one another at achieving his goals. But they had the same influence on me which was to always aim high, that knowledge was power and to never listen to anyone when they tell you that you’re not good enough.

 

 

What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

To empower one another with confidence by complimenting one another instead of throwing shade and/or becoming a “hater”.  Before I stopped going to the gym and started studying hard core for my state board exam a few months ago, I would notice a few ladies working hard at the gym. I wasn’t shy to go to them and say “Hey, you have some badass biceps or keep it up the good work.” When you compliment one another, you’re actually motivating them to keep going in what they are trying to accomplish. You’re giving them that boost of confidence.

 

What are you most proud of?  

That we have grown as a family in our love and faith for God together. That through all the turbulences we have been through as a married couple or even individually was a hidden blessing in disguise. When you stop focusing on how to fix your problems on your own and simply give it to God and trust Him, He always comes through. Not on your time, but on his time, because his timing is perfect. I look back at all that we have accomplished, and it just amazes me to see that everything was beautifully synchronized, even the bad. Because the bad either teaches you a lesson that you were suppose to learn or it builds your character before God is able to move you onto the next level. I’m just proud to say that my relationship with God has grown closer because he has shown me his love through his plans. Plans that are bigger than mine. Plans to prosper me and not harm me, plans to give me and my family a better future. That has simply made all the difference.    

 

 

“Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the world about his wondrous love and how mighty he is!” Isaiah 12:4

 

 

Gentlewoman, Jessica Yanez-Perez

I’m so proud to be friends with such inspiring women.  I enjoy hearing their stories, sharing similarities and learning from them.  Whenever a girlfriend reaches an accomplishment, it makes me really proud. I get inspired and it sparks a fire in my heart.

I knew it was time to bring back this series called “The Gentlewoman” where I highlight everyday women and give the world a glimpse of who they are. 

Today, I am featuring my lovely friend, Jessica.  She recently graduated from UNT - an accomplishment that may have been delayed, but none the less it was accomplished.  Jessica has experienced some highs and lows the past 12 months, but through it all she has remained positive, motivated and God fearing.
 

 

1.     For those people who don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I’m originally from San Diego, CA, but I’ve lived in Dallas for the past 11 years now. Wow! Time certainly has flown by. If I had to describe myself to anyone who didn’t know me, I think all you need to know about me is that I’m a pretty positive person with four major loves: God, family, friends and sports!

 

 

2.     You just graduated from UNT!  Congratulations!  Can you tell me what this accomplishment means to you?

Thank you so much Vickie! Well, graduating at 37 definitely wasn’t part of the plan. Growing up I always envisioned going to a university as soon as I was done with high school. Unfortunately, some things are out of our control and moving back and forth from California, New Mexico and back to California during my last years of high school certainly didn’t help. Going back to school was always a goal of mine, and to know that I accomplished that on my own, while working full-time and volunteering at church means the world to me. It’s something that can never be taken from me.

 

 

3.     We met and started a friendship through our church.  Can you tell my readers how long you have been going to Fellowship, where you volunteer and give some details on what this church means to you?

I began going to Fellowship Church around 2005/2006. I was introduced to FC by my best friend and I’ve never doubted that Fellowship was where I needed to plant myself. I’ve worked in various areas from greeting and working with the teens in The Mix ministry.  I currently serve as the choir director for the Dallas campus.

 

 

It’s so hard to put into words what Fellowship Church means to me. The church isn’t just a building; it’s the people who serve in it. Without the people, the church is nothing and I am so grateful for all the amazing people I have met and who have become part of my life. I truly don’t know what I would do without all these wonderful people.  

 

4.     You live in Dallas and your parents live in California.  How hard is it to live in such a big city without your family?

Living so far from my family definitely has its drawbacks. I think the hardest part is not being there for all the little holidays where we shared so many traditions. I’m fortunate because I have made my own family here in Dallas. Family isn’t always the people who share your blood, they are people who share your life, and I have the most fantastic Dallas family.

 

I recently went through knee surgery at the end of last year.  It was a difficult time, but my FC family made it bearable.  I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the experience without their help. I was overwhelmed with the love I received.  They really took care of me.  It was so touching that I actually broke down into tears.   From taking me to the hospital, picking me up, visiting me, taking care of my dog and bringing me food and sweet treats (the list goes on and on) – it is forever engraved in my mind and heart.  I will never forget how loved I felt during a very difficult time.  Thank you.

 

 

5.     A few months back you decided to start eating healthier and start exercising.  You have lost weight and you look fabulous. Can you share some of your journey with my readers?

Oh my gosh. Where do I even start? I just remember looking in the mirror and not only was I not happy with what I saw, but I was crying. I knew the reflection looking back at me was not the reflection of who I was. I knew I had to make a change if I wanted to live a long and healthy life. I’ve lost an aunt and uncle to complications from diabetes and I knew if I didn’t change my lifestyle, I was heading in the same direction. God has given me one body, and if I want to serve Him to the best of my ability I better keep my “house” in order.  
 

 

 

6.     For anyone who is struggling with weight and/or eating healthier, what would you like to say to them?  Can you share any tips/tricks?

First, don’t diet. I’ve taken the pills, creams, and wraps. Those are all quick fixes that don’t teach you about nutrition and portion control. Find a program that teaches you how to relate to food. I live by the 80/20 rule, meaning that 80% of the time I eat clean and 20% of the time I get to indulge a bit. I’m human and can’t eat perfect 100% of the time and this way I don’t feel bad about the times I do indulge because I know I will workout and eat clean the next meal. Finally, having a support system is key. It’s so much harder when you try and go at it alone.

7.     Who inspires you and why?

I don’t think I’ve ever told them, but my parents inspire me. They have had their struggles as people, as spouses and as parents, but they never give up. They work through it and know that everything that’s worth anything is worth fighting for. They’re far from perfect as we all are, but they are fighters and I admire that.

 

8.     What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Never give up and give your worries to God.

 

9.     What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

Have patience. We are a microwave society, who wants what we want, when we want it, where we want it and how we want it. I am just as guilty as the next, but if we are always in a rush for the next thing, we can never enjoy the gifts God has given us in the present.

 

 

10.   What are you most proud of?

I am most proud that I didn’t give up on my goal of going back to school and getting my degree. It could’ve been so easy to quit and just keep working, but I didn’t. God kept the fire alive in me and I can’t wait to see where he leads me next.

I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me.  So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. – Philippians 3:12

Wait, what?

I was on cloud nine last week.  I had just received news that I received a job offer to a great position at a well known organization in Dallas.  It was Friday morning and all my excitement fizzled as I received word of the numbers.  You know, those numbers – the important numbers.  The ones that make up your compensation.  Wait, what? 

Total. Let. Down.

“God, why would you provide me this opportunity but not fulfill it the way I was anticipating?”  Somewhere in my greedy mind I figured God would provide a job and then go above and beyond and bless me with a great compensation as well.  Nope.  Didn’t happen.  I began doing math, would this number even work for my current financial budget?  Could we survive on less?

I had to snap out of this feeling.  I knew my God wouldn’t open a door without providing for me and my family.  My faith is too strong, but why did I felt so discouraged?  I don’t know why, other than the fact that the enemy was trying to rain on my parade.  The battle of negativity in one’s mind always stems from the evil one whose job is to steal, kill and destroy.  I reached out to my fellow sisters in Christ and I was no longer battling this discouragement alone.  Back to back words of encouragement, prayers and support filled my inbox.  Instantaneously, I felt God’s presence over me and the ease of his yoke. I was going to be just fine. 

 

So are you going to accept job even though you will be making less?  Well, the answer is yes.  I have to mention that I will be working for a non for profit organization along with the fact that I will be working 35 hours a week versus 40, so I always knew it would be a little less than what I was currently making.  I just didn’t know it would be a bigger difference than expected.  Worry did fill my mind initially, but as mentioned, my God wouldn’t open a door and not provide a way.  You see, last year around this time my husband and I signed up for a challenge.  It was a 90 day challenge that our church encouraged everyone to do.  This 90 day challenge consisted of tithing 10 percent of your income for 3 months.  If you didn’t see God change your life within that time frame the church agreed to reimburse you in full 100%.  Obviously, I didn’t get any of that money back because immediately I began to see God’s goodness in my life.  I use to have this entitlement to my money and it was not easy offering it up every Sunday because I had bills to pay.  Looking at my budget, there was no way we could afford to give away 10% of our combined income.  But, during that series I felt severely convicted and I also felt a need to let go and let God.  I needed Him to be the focal point of my finances.  My husband and I had good jobs, but there was still a battle over money.  The bills added up, the kids always needed something and we weren’t moving up as fast as we’d hoped.  Money was always a worry of mine and when I signed up and obeyed God’s word, well he didn’t fail me.  I can honestly, with a proud heart say that God has blessed my finances in immeasurable ways since I began to bring him the first 10%.  As a family, as a married couple, we have been lifted in such blessings with the tangible and intangible. 

While it has been nice to be able to achieve things like a new car, house remodeling and dine at a nice restaurant, it is the intangible that has been the bigger blessing thus far.  Learning to humble myself before God and make Him in charge of it all has been such a life lesson that I will instill in my children, which will prosper their children and their grandchildren.  No amount of money could ever fill me with the feeling of the greater good I feel as a giver.  To see people find God through my church shows me that the money I give is doing far more and beyond what I would have done with it.  I can also tell you that while I am working with 90% versus 100%, my money lasts longer, it stretches, it adds up and as a family, we have been more successful in all areas of our life than ever before. 

So when you ask me, are you going to accept that job even though you will be making less?  And you wonder if I will be able to survive on less -  all I can say is I’ve done it before, I’ll do it again.  God always provides.  He never fails.  He is a good God.  This opened door is still an answered prayer and even though it’s not exactly everything I’d hoped, I need to lean not on my own understanding but trust Him with all my heart.  He will make my path straight. 

 

Lord, thank you for humbling me and for bringing this testimony out in the open for all to read.  Thank you for all the ways you have blessed my life with the tangible and intangible.  Today I pray for everyone reading this to take hold of your word and know that while you did it for me, you can do it for them too.  Amen.

 

 

Promised Land

I’ve been on a journey this past year.  I reached a valley in the first few months of this year with my career.  Not only did I feel I had hit a plateau, but I also became unsatisfied with the way my manager was coaching and directing my career path – there was no motivation for me to continue to work for an employer who was not going to value what I had to offer.  I had reached my last straw after I spoke to my boss and realized weeks later that while she promised to be a better manager, nothing had changed.  I was so ready to throw in the towel and quit.  I was upset and I dwelled on my unhappy situation trying to find a quick solution to my problem.  And then after all my options failed miserably, I allowed God to take over and what a relief that was.  1 Peter 5:7-11 says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is going the same kind of sufferings.  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.” 

I had to hold on to God’s promises day after day, even on days where it seemed like his promise would never come.  I knew that my God would turn my test into a testimony and that is exactly what he did. 

 

Do you trust that God is for you even when He doesn’t give you what you asked for? – Mark Batterson, The Circle Maker

 

For my birthday, one of my good friends bought me a journal.  The cover reads, “Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”  I didn’t realize it at the time, but that would be my motto in the upcoming months.  I didn’t tell many people, but I actually resigned from my job in February.  I read the book “Produced by Faith” by Devon Franklin and within the first chapter I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me.  “Resign.”  My husband was in the shower and when he came out, I told him we needed to talk.  Tears streamed down my face as I read the chapter to him.  Here I was making a decision to resign with no plan B, no safety net – all I had was my faith.  I had finally let go and let God. 

 

 

Take a step of faith when God gives you a vision because you trust that the One who gave you the vision is going to make provision.  And for the record, if the vision is from God, it will most definitely be beyond your means. – Mark Batterson, The Prayer Circle

 

I felt a big weight lifted off my shoulders once that decision was made. My parents thought I was crazy.  “What are you thinking?  You need your job.”  “Mom/Dad, I am going to be fine.  Really I am.”  My mom was so worried, but you know what happened?  She text me one day, “Vickie, I was praying for you this morning and I felt God tell me that everything was going to be alright.”  For me that was more confirmation, but I had my mind made up, my heart was at peace and I knew God would provide a way. 

 

Faith is willingness to look foolish. – Mark Batterson, The Circle Maker

 

When I gave my boss my resignation letter, it didn’t go down so smoothly, in fact she was very defensive.  God gave me the courage to speak my mind and voice all my concerns and let my boss know all the things that I could never say.  After a few meetings and having her apologize, she asked me if I would reconsider my resignation.  I ultimately did only because I felt change was actually going to happen, not just for me but for my coworkers who were also unhappy. 

 

Sometimes the power of prayer is the power to carry on.  It doesn’t always change your circumstances, but it gives you the strength to walk through them.  When you pray through, the burden is taken off your shoulders and put on the shoulders of Him who carried the cross to Calvary. – Mark Batterson, The  Circle Maker

 

During this time, I was also reading “The Prayer Circle 40 day Prayer Challenge”.  There is a quote in this book that says, “It’s not just where you end up that’s important; it’s how you get there.  Goal setting begins and ends with prayer.”  If I wanted God to show up in my life I had to do something different.  I needed to pray bold prayers and I needed to stay focused on spending more time with him.  Yes, I go to church every week, but my relationship with God shouldn’t begin and end on Sunday.  God wants us to talk to Him about everything.  The good days, the bad days and everything in between.  He wants to remain #1 in our lives and to create a closer bond, we must seek Him.   I also kept a journal through my prayer challenge and I took things up a notch by fasting from sweets (my biggest weakness).  After the 40 days passed, I wish I could say a great miracle happened on the 40^th day, but it did not.  Instead I decided to start all over.  Currently I’m on day 30 of my second go round.   

 

Many people never see God part the Jordan River in their lives because their feet are firmly planted on dry ground.  We’re waiting for God to make a move while God is waiting for us to make a move.  We say to God, “Why don’t you part this river?” And God says to us, “Why don’t you get your feet wet?”  But if you make a move, you’ll see God move.  And He can move heaven and earth.” – Mark Batterson, The Prayer Circle

 

Here we are months later and an opportunity arose clearly out of the blue.  I went ahead and applied.  Two phone interviews and two in person interviews later, I am elated to announce that I was offered the position.  It makes me cry just thinking about my journey.  Months ago, I was so miserable, looking for every and any job to apply to just so I could get out of here.  Nothing.  No call backs.  Nothing.  I was so upset.  God where are you?  The funny thing is He was there all along, I was just trying to do things my way.  I had a lot to learn these past months.  His timing was perfect and as much as I may, I will never forget Habakkuk 2:3 “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

 

When you pray regularly, you never know when God will show up or speak up.  Today could be the day.  When you live in prayer mode, you live with holy anticipation.  You know that coincidences are providences.  Any moment can turn into a holy moment.  God can invade the reality of your life at three o’clock one afternoon and change everything. – Mark Batterson, The Prayer Circle

 

Every gift that comes from God is worth waiting for.  Be encouraged and wait patiently on the Lord.  Trust in Him and he will work things out.  It won’t always be the answer you want, but God has a way of working all things out for good.  God is faithful, trust in Him and His perfect timing.

 

I promise you this; God is ready and waiting.  So while I have no idea what circumstances you find yourself in, I’m confident that you are only a prayer away from a dream fulfilled, a promise kept, or a miracle performed. – Mark Batterson, The Prayer Circle

Home Improvement Part III

Last year we set the bar high for our home makeover projects.    We put new flooring in our living room, dining room and family room (including a hallway).  We went from hideous carpet to a beautiful dark wood laminate. We also purchased stainless steel appliances and purchased a much needed dining room chandelier. The house went from old fashioned to modern in a matter of months.  Once that was completed, it was a defining moment for us.  We realized we could and we should.  We opened some credit and made a pact to pay it off before interest kicked in.  10 months later I am proud to say we did just that.  Talk about knocking two birds with one stone - we built our credit and paid it off same as cash.   

 A few months ago, my husband and I wanted to move forward with our next project, but the question was, “What would the next project be?”  Honestly, we have a list a mile long, but we narrowed our decision to redoing our guest and master restrooms and giving our master bedroom some new carpet. 

Guest bathroom would receive new flooring (tile), paint, trim, vanity, faucet, toilet, mirror and light fixture. 

Master bathroom would receive a standing shower, new flooring (tile), paint, trim, separate vanities, mirrors, toilet and light fixture. 

Bedroom would receive new carpet.

We used our previous contact to complete our flooring, standing shower and carpet.  They were done in 3.5 days.  The rest of the work was completed by my husband.  He removed the old vanities/mirrors, removed wallpaper from bathrooms, painted and did all the installation.  He also cut and installed the trim that went into the bathrooms.   

Guest Bath:

 

 

Before - (Vanity and Mirror were removed)

 

      

      

 Master Bath:

Before

 

We found 70s wallpaper behind our mirror. 

 

Carpet use to live here.

 

 

 

Finished product - his and hers vanity duo with a lovely reminder between the mirrors.

 

 Master Shower:

 

 

 

We will eventually replace the shower curtain with a glass door.  Unfortunately, due to our budget being exceeded, we don't have the money available right now, but we plan to get it done before the end of the year.



This new standing shower is my favorite part of it all.

 

 

 Master Bedroom:

 

The carpet we had in our Master was so OLD, stained and gross.  This one change made our bedroom look so different.

 

Doing a lot of the work yourself can have its drawbacks, but at the end of the day it makes you feel very proud and accomplished.  For me, it wasn’t just an investment of money, but an investment of time, work and sacrifice. My husband did the majority of the labor – I did all the cleaning, but I was also able to do the fun part which was shop for new décor.  Overall it was a team effort and while we are still recovering from the long hours  of hard work, we have enjoyed marking this project off our list.



Amor Eterno

Here we are in the month of the May.  This month signifies so much – bright sunny days, graduations, Memorial Day, Cinco de Mayo, but most importantly, it is the month in which a day is set aside to recognize all mothers.  I LOVE Mother’s Day – not only do my husband and children do a great job of spoiling me, but it gives me the opportunity to spend the day with those who I love most and celebrate the woman who gave birth to me, raised me and molded me into the woman I am today.  What would I do without her?  It also gives me an opportunity to spend time with my mother in law, who raised my husband into the great man that he is.  We should always show this type of love and gratitude to our mothers throughout the year, but this day is extra special. 

This year I will be out of town for Mother’s Day, and I hate the fact that I won’t be in town to celebrate with my mom. I came up with this idea to take her and my mother in law out to brunch to celebrate a week early.  I’m the queen of surprises and last year, my siblings and I surprised my mom with mariachi at our Mother’s Day celebration.  Out of nowhere, here comes a group of mariachi into my sister’s home and my mom stops, covers her face and starts crying.  The moment was perfection and our plan worked – she loved it.  This year, I wanted to surprise her again.

I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day.  The weather was gorgeous, sunny with a cool breeze. We got to the restaurant, placed our order and grabbed a seat outside on the patio.  Shortly later, the mariachi arrived and began to serenade our table with “Las Mañanitas” and for a whole hour we danced, laughed, cried, and enjoyed the beauty of family, friends and even strangers. 

 

 

 

At one point, the mariachi sang “Amor Eterno” which is a very popular song that speaks about a loved one who has passed.  I asked my mom to dance and with tears in her eyes, she said “This song reminds me grandma.”  I looked over her shoulder and I see my dad crying as he thinks of his mother who passed away a few years ago. With a hug I console them and I take in their pain. For a brief second I begin to think of that one day when I will no longer have my mom, but that day hasn’t come yet and I thank God for days like this where I can enjoy her and indulge in her presence and her love.  We stopped dancing and sat down to finish hearing this beautiful song.  Strangers were sitting all around us and this one man caught my attention – he was videotaping the mariachi while singing his heart out and tears were rolling down his face.  His hand that was holding his phone was shaking and I couldn’t help but feel touched by his emotion over this song. 

I loved that the people who happened to eat here were able to partake in this beautiful celebration.  We had several ladies join us for a dance and couples – including the owner and his wife got up to dance.  The day was perfect and it will definitely go down as one of the best celebrations I have been able to share with my family.

 

Mom,

 

Thank you mom always being there for me.  I honestly would not be where I am, or be the woman that I am if it wasn’t for you.  Several times I steered off course, but your prayers and support pulled me back on track.  I firmly believe that those prayers and the prayers of grandma have been answered and I am able to reap the blessings now.  I enjoy our talks, your advice, and our trips to Marshall’s and Ross to look for stuff for the house.  I love that every Sunday when I get there at 8:30 to start serving, you are there too, drinking your coffee waiting to go downstairs to help with the kids.  That makes me really proud.    For everything you’ve done and continue to do for me, I just want to say Thank You.  Being a mother isn’t easy, I know that now.  But because of the magnitude of the difficulty, I now know the true meaning of all the sacrifices you made for me.  Thank you, thank you and may God continue to fill your heart with love, protect you from harm and grant you health for all the days of your life.