This post is also available in: Spanish
I remember going plantain gathering in the mountains in Cubuy. My Abuelita wore her gum boots and a bata (housecoat). At 60-something she went into the mountain and chopped a bunch of plantains with her big ole machete. I learned about the strength of Puerto Rican women from her and my visits to the country started my love affair with nature.
Walking into Abuelas house you knew three things… 1 – You were going to eat a full plate of delicious food no matter what time of the day it was. It’s like she had food on standby “just in case”! 2 – Coffee was made in a pot with a colander! No coffee makers here! And 3 – You always left happy and full of memories and love.
When I was five years old my Abuelita made me this beautiful colorful summer dress for an event that she kept telling me about, but I had no idea. Once the dress was done, I remember how beautiful I felt in my new dress. Abuelita took me to what I later in life found out was a political rally. I remember everyone knowing my grandmom and how she took the time to introduce me to all her friends. I would make sure that everyone noticed my beautiful dress and not one person I met failed to mention how pretty I looked. Abuelita made me feel like a princess that day and I have not forgotten to this day.
My aunt was moving to Puerto Rico and was going through a major depression. She was having a hard time dealing with a recent break up. My mom who was her ex-sister-in-law basically took over helping her with the move. When I was an adult my aunt reminded me of this moment in her life and how she greatly appreciated my mom being there for her at such a low moment in her life. She told me she never forgot my mom for her generosity. She asked me to remember that my mom was a gift from God and to never forget her for her giving spirit.