Luciana Cemerka TP in Brazil
Maria Victoria Orozco Byers TP in Colombia
I was only eight years old when my parents divorced, and from that mo- ment on, my mother became the foundation of our family. She raised me and my brother almost single-handedly, never once wavering in her dedication to giving us the best life possible. At 33, while already a mother and working as an executive secretary, she made a bold decision—she went back to school to study psychology. I vividly remember leaving my classes and meeting her at the universi- ty, watching her chase her dreams with determination. That image has stayed with me, shaping the person I am today. Life was not always easy. My father passed away young from a stroke, never getting the chance to meet my two daughters. But through every hardship, my mother remained our rock—our example of resilience, eth- ics, and unwavering integrity in a country where honesty is often chal- lenged. She taught us, from an early age, the difference between right and wrong, leading by example rather than just words. Even at 75, she continues to inspire us. Already holding a postgraduate degree, she decided to pursue another, this time in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at PUC University. Her passion for learning and growth has nev- er faded, and because of her, it never stops for us either. My mother’s strength is deeply rooted in her heritage. The daughter of Lithuanian immigrants who fled to Brazil during World War II to protect their family, she carries the legacy of resilience and survival. That strength has been passed down through generations. Today, as a proud Cemerka, I see that same unwavering spirit in my daughters, in myself, and most of all, in the woman who taught us what it truly means to persevere. I am who I am because of her. And I could not be prouder. With love, Luciana Cemerka
When I think of my mother, which happens more often than I care to admit, I find myself caught between grief and gratitude. The grief stems from her passing over a decade ago, yet her absence still feels fresh in my heart. The gratitude comes from recognizing who I am today, what I’ve achieved both personally and professionally, and all the things I cher- ish in my life are a direct result of her influence, guidance, example, and, above all, her love. It’s hard not to see my mother reflected in me these days. This isn’t just about my character traits or personality; many of the choices I make are often guided by a question that whispers in my subconscious: “What would my mother say? What would she do?” My mother’s support throughout my journey is a rich tapestry, woven from threads of unwavering encouragement, unconditional love, and wise guidance. She had a remarkable ability to see potential in me that I couldn’t recognize in myself, often urging me to pursue opportunities I thought were out of reach. Her encouragement was like a gentle breeze that calmed my doubts and fears, giving me the courage to take risks and explore new possibilities. As I navigate life’s complexities, I find myself relying on the wisdom she shared, the values she instilled, and the love she embodied. Her presence was a masterclass in resilience, compassion, and kindness. She taught me that strength and vulnerability are not opposites but complementary aspects of human experience. In many ways, my mother’s passing became a catalyst for my growth, pushing me to face my own fears, doubts, and limitations. Yet, even in her absence, she continues to empower me, her love and legacy shining as a guiding light on my path. The question “what would my mother say?” has become my guiding principle, helping me remain aligned with my values, heart, and dreams.
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FOSTERING EMPOWERMENT
LETTERS TO MOTHERS
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