Lisa Navarrette Self TP in the USA
Dear mom, I’m writing this because sometimes, “thank you” feels too small for the magnitude of what you’ve given me. I think back to you, a sixteen-year- old bride, a story that could have defined you, but instead, became the foundation for something extraordinary. You, who barely had a chance to spread your own wings, gave me mine. You, who were expected to stay within the confines of tradition, pushed me to break every single one. You, who understood the pain of a half- lived life, ensured I would live mine fully. I remember the move from Queens, NY, and the sudden shift to the sub- urbs in New Jersey, a world of green grass and open spaces, my own room, and the possibilities opening up. Dance classes, cheerleading, even becoming an EMT at sixteen—you never said “no.” You saw some- thing in me, a potential you nurtured with fierce determination. That school trip to Spain at 16, that first taste of the world. It wasn’t just a vacation, it was a catalyst, a spark that ignited a fire within me. And then, college, ten hours away. I was so excited, so oblivious to the strength it took for you to let me go. It wasn’t until I watched my own daughters leave for college that I tru- ly understood. That smile you gave me, the cheerful wave, it masked a heartbreak I never saw. I finally understood the courage it took for you to defy generations of tradition and let your daughter fly. You gave me choices. You gave me the freedom to travel, live on my own, and build a life I love. You gave me the courage to pursue a career that fulfills me. You were a pioneer, a quiet rebel, paving the way not just for me, but for my sisters and all your eight granddaughters. You taught us that we are not defined by our circumstances, but by our choices. You showed us that we have the power to create our own desti- nies. You gave us the wings to soar.
Thank you, Mom, for breaking the mold. Thank you for your unwavering belief in me. Thank you for giving me the wings to fly. You are the reason I am who I am today. With all my love, Lisa
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FOSTERING EMPOWERMENT
LETTERS TO MOTHERS
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