The song that perfectly describes you
International Women’s month– a month to acknowledge the strong, dedicated women of the past, present, and future. Looking back on this past month, people tend to focus on the women who have changed history, whether it be in science, the arts, or other areas. However, I wanted to take this opportunity to focus on the most influential woman in my life who has shaped me to be the woman I am and continue to aspire to be.
Ultimately, my daily inspiration comes from the powerful yet humble woman who’s given me my passion, fire, and life’s blood. Christina Robinson, Mama G, Moma, there are so many names you go by and so many ways in which you have impacted my life. Growing up, there was no one that was ever there for me more than you were. Through some of my hardest times, you stood right next to me, encouraging me to push on, fight through the pain and stand strong in who I was. You have never stopped showing me how to be the bigger person, a strong woman who can be gentle and compassionate, yet fierce and willing to chase after her own goals.
One memory that continues to surface in my mind as I go through life is a picture of us in our house on Huron. It’s morning, the sun is not yet up and the wind howls outside, pressing against the creaking doors. I was still young, standing in my coat, hat, and mittens, watching you put on yours. You wrap the laces of your boots around the back and tie them in the front. “They’re too long” you would say. Your tone was always caring, and gentle, outpouring your compassion for me. You took me to daycare so that you could go to your first job.
How you were able to continually work multiple jobs while taking care of three children as a single mother amazes me to this day. You truly lived through some of the hardest obstacles life can throw at someone and did not let it break you, but instead came out thousands of times stronger. Your ability to grow and change despite what life throws at you has inspired me so much to be the woman I am today.
Even when I lost some of the biggest things that I loved in my life, you said to me “God must really love you”. I found this saying incredibly ridiculous at the time. I shivered at the pain that I was going through and the thought that it could be used as a loving measure of a gracious, merciful God. You saw what I could not see and instead of leaving me alone to fight a battle on my own, you took my hand and guided me through the storms, ensuring that I leaned both on you and God as my support system. For that I am forever grateful, remembering that you are who you are because of a God that never gave up on you or us.
Mom, you have always been consistent. Although I grew up without a father, you brought consistency to the table, never choosing a man over me. For that, I am eternally grateful. In a world where women so greatly depend on men, you sacrificed what the world says women need for the children you loved, and I adore you for that.
The ferocity of your love for me poured into every word, action, and decision you made. To write a love letter to you alone does not do justice to the way that you loved me so fiercely. I only have God to thank for allowing me to be your daughter, and you- my mother, a hardworking, gifted, and loving wife, and woman- that I continually strive to be. Your essence has created an enormous impact on my life and countless others.
Don’t ever stop being the fun-loving, hilarious, mother that never fails to dance at any opportunity. Your smile and laugh are contagious, and you have ferocity and passion like no other. Never stop loving the way you do. You have taught me so much as I’ve grown and I can’t wait to continue to learn more life lessons from you. I love you more and more every day and can’t wait to see you next.
Love your daughter,
Elliana Esperanza Gonzalez