As I hit the milestone age of 40, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought me here. And at the center of that journey, the heart that has guided me through life's twists and turns, is my mother—my superhero. She's not just a beacon of strength and beauty; she's a source of inspiration that has shaped the woman I am today.
I vividly remember being a wide-eyed 5-year-old, looking up at my mother with awe. Her bright red lips, her radiant brown skin, and her infectious energy made her the most beautiful and strong woman on earth in my eyes. Little did I know then that this admiration would only grow with time.
A Hero's Journey
My mother's journey began with a humble origin story, one that weaves together a tale of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter. She was raised in part by my great-grandmother in the countryside of Santiago, Dominican Republic. The lush landscapes, the simplicity of rural life, and the wisdom of her great-grandmother played a significant role in shaping her character.
Her mother, my grandmother, on the other hand, embarked on her own journey at the tender age of 16. She left the serene countryside behind and set her sights on New York City, where she sought to build a brighter future for herself and her family. It was a path laden with challenges, but she navigated it with determination and unwavering spirit.
In her absence, my mother became a remarkable fusion of her rural roots and the urban aspirations of her mother. The countryside had instilled in her a deep appreciation for simplicity, nature, and the power of community. It was a world where values were etched in the very fabric of life, and these values became a cornerstone of her character.
The Lessons of Love and Strength
From my mother, I learned the importance of embracing positivity, no matter the challenges that life throws our way. Her boundless creativity became an endless source of inspiration. She could turn a mundane afternoon into an adventure, a simple craft into a masterpiece, and a regular day into a memory to cherish.
It was she
who introduced me to the world of sewing, an art that I have carried with me into my adult life and even documented in my book, "Crafts Create Change," which launched in 2022. Her patience, her guidance, and her unwavering belief in my abilities nurtured my passion for creativity and sparked my entrepreneurial spirit.
You see, sometimes we underestimate the impact our parents have on us as children. We may think that they are just going about their lives, but little do we realize that we are absorbing their wisdom, their strength, and their values like sponges. I am the woman I am today because of the mother I have, and I couldn't be prouder of that fact.
The Circle of Life
Now, as a mother myself to a vibrant and imaginative 4-year-old, I find myself walking in my mother's footsteps more often than I could have imagined. I see my mother in the way I approach life with a positive attitude, in the boundless creativity I share with my child, and in the figure-it-out attitude that has become my trademark.
In so many ways, I am continuing the legacy my mother passed on to me. The wisdom and love that she absorbed from her great-grandmother in the countryside of Santiago have been passed down through generations, and I see them taking root in my own child.
A Bond That Shapes Generations
My mother's journey, her experiences, and the values she carries with her have created a profound ripple effect. It's a testament to the enduring influence of mothers, the unsung heroes of our lives. Just as my grandmother set forth on her path to pave the way for her family, my mother has continued that legacy of strength, determination, and love.
I am grateful for the lessons I've learned, the love I've received, and the inspiration that flows through the veins of our family. As I celebrate my 40th birthday, I celebrate not just the woman I've become but the women who have shaped me—my mother, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother.
It's a tribute to the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter, a bond that spans generations and continues to shape the world. I am proud to be a part of this legacy, and I look forward to sharing these values with my child, just as they were shared with me. Because, as I've learned, a hero's journey is not defined by superpowers but by the love, wisdom, and strength that mothers pass down through the ages.
Your Niña Always,
Alicia