Today is my grandmother’s “santo” day. A “santo” day is the day commemorating the saint you are named after. She is still enjoying the summer by the beach, so my aunts organized a family gathering over here to celebrate her “santo” day! My grandmother, which I affectionately call Mamita (means mommy), is a very special person in my life. She has given me good advice my entire life. Her wise words have stayed with me and  she has influenced me in many positive ways. Her words helped me be aware and appreciative of how fortunate and blessed I am, and  to never take things or people for granted. That family is precious and important, to be a strong woman, but also to be humble….and so many more lessons. Most importantly, she has taught me that you reap what you sow (like in a karma way), and what unconditional love and acceptance feels like. She has been an excellent daughter, wife, mom and grandmother…and sister, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend. This is why, she is always surrounded by those of us that love her. She is never alone. We are always visiting her and enjoy spending time with her. She is still very independent, and we try to help her as much as she lets us…..to take care of her, like she has taken care of all of us in her family! Even though she has many grandchildren, she has the gift of making you feel like you are the only person in the world when she speaks with you, to focus on you in that moment and make you feel like the most important and loved person. That is a unique and rare ability I have only seen in some high level elected officials, CEOs, priests, and a few people that are very charismatic. She has formed a loving and caring family, and that is a beautiful thing! My life would not be what it is today, if it wasn’t for her. My Mamita has been a wonderful and positive role model in my life,  I can only hope to be that wise some day! I thank God for the blessing and good fortune of being her granddaughter! Happy Santo Mamita – I love you!

So, next time you see or speak to your grandmother, remember to tell her how important she is to you!

Are you close to your grandmother and do you have a special story you’d like to share?

Hugs,

Paola

We took a spontaneous pic of just the girls: Mamita, surrounded by some of my aunts, cousins, mom, sis & me (this is only about 1/4 of the family members that were there today).