“Beautiful Butterfly”

Fifteen, that’s how old she was, when she had to find her own home.

All lost and scared on the streets, the young girl was walking alone.

She told me it was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to her.

Because it taught her how strong women really were.

She did what she had to do to get the money from

Men that liked entertainment and a little bit of rum.

My mom doesn’t tell me all the stories, but I know they hurt her a lot.

I pray at night that mom heals from the things she cannot.

Eighteen, that’s how old she was, when she had my older brother.

In her heart, she couldn’t be much happier to be a mother.

The next in the line was I, at twenty, such a delight.

It was truly love at first site.

We knew we would hold each other till the end of the times.

Though I cannot explain it in lines.

My little sister and brother were after

So, my mom was always surrounded by kids and laughter.

She always gave us everything she had, and never asked for anything in return.

My mom would take anyone in so she could to help them become better and learn.

That’s probably why we have three dogs and seven cats.

It sounds crazy, but it’s true, she didn’t like no rats.

Mom taught us that making others happy, will bring us joy.

She led by her example, to give us her last left “toy”.

See, she would favor us despite the fact she always needed it more.

I wish I could repay for all the things she’s done for us to her.

Thirty-seven, that’s how old she was, when my older brother passed away.

I heard mom cry behind the closed door that day.

All I ever wanted then was to ease her pain.

I knew from that moment, she changed, and I can’t explain.

Family has always been my number one priority.

And my mom was both my father and mother authority.

I love my MOMMA and the words can’t describe.

How much she deserves and how beautiful she is inside.

This was the first part of story about the strongest, most beautiful and loving woman I know, she who is my mother.

Now, that you’ve heard her story, I want to share my story with mom and what she taught me. I believe words cannot describe my love for her, but I'm going to try.

Growing up, my favorite memories were spending time with family, like this one time when mom took us to the amusement park. Our cousins, Anna and Nikki, lived with us at that moment. Mom had just come from working all night. We were kids then, but now I understand how tired she was. Despite everything, my mom still spend time with us at the park and taught us, how important it is to love and share with each other. Another memory I remember, was when mom, my siblings and I were driving on a highway after a long day at the beach. We were all jamming out to “Set It Off”. I remember looking at everybody and just knowing how fun this ‘life-adventure’ will be. That’s how it’s been so far and I’m so excited for all the years to come!

It’s crazy to think that one person could be your entire world. My mom has been that and more. Beside of the fun memories, I also remember all the times she taught me valuable lessons. Mom has always been so supportive with everything; she’s been my rock. This taught me patience with people and events, that sometimes you just got to be ‘the shoulder to cry on’. Every evening my mom asks my siblings and I about our day and just listens without any comments or judgment. She waits for us to come to her for advice, this taught me that only those that want to be helped, can be helped. My mom told me to treat people equally but to the extent of their abilities. At first, I didn’t understand what it meant, but now I do. You give people your equal love in the beginning, but after you get to know their ‘abilities’ (to hurt or to help you, etc.), you treat them to ‘the extent of their abilities’ but always with love.

My mom helped me realize how important the simple statements are. Be kind, be honest (to others and yourself), respect nature, and love those closest to you (family) and everyone around you. Like I mentioned earlier, family is my number one priority, and mom stands by that. There was one time when I was little and we were laying down, taking a nap or maybe reading a book. I was playing with mom’s belly ring, which was a butterfly. I said to mom: “Ma, our family is like this butterfly. Natalie, Nick, Justin and I are four wings, and you are our corpse that keeps us together”. Since then, butterfly represents our family and mom to me. I even got a tattoo of it on my hip. This memory and lesson have a permanent place on my body, and they’re engraved in my heart.

Mom has always been my hero to fight my outside and inner battles. She helped me realize what value I bring to the world and how unique everybody is, including me. She told me this quote and I’ll never forget it. She said: “Masterpiece is still a masterpiece when the lights are off, and the room is empty.” Isn’t that beautiful, I wish more young girls would hear that and understand their worth. My mom leads by her example, she does good deeds and doesn't expect for them to be notice. I see them. It’s incredible how humble, yet how strong she is. Mom can put people and animals down just with her look. I guess, ‘not all heroes wear capes’ after all.

Sometimes I look at my mom and I can’t begin to understand how someone can be so perfect. Sometimes I look at my mom and I can’t understand how a whole universe is hidden within one person. And sometimes I look at my mom and I can’t understand how someone wouldn’t want to be in her loving presence all the time. Because I do... Her love is unconditional for me, and I couldn’t be more blessed with anything else. And every time I blow out a candle on my birthday, I wish the same thing, that other girls and boys will be given such an amazing parent as my mom is!