The Godmother

All the positive words found in then entire world couldn't even begin to describe this woman. This woman was my grandmother. She was the most loving, giving, and just person you could ever meet. Yes, I have to admit that to some of you this may sound cliche and maybe it is. However, let's dive in and see what's this all about. Shall we?

Let's begin with a little history. In 1972, after a terrible divorce my grandmother decided to embark on a new journey and come to the United States. Not knowing a word of English and having a 3rd grade education she managed to find work and get an apartment. Amazing huh? I know you may be thinking about how familiar this story sounds. And yes it is a story that we are accustomed to, if one grew up the United States.

However, I personally think that what my grandmother did took a lot of courage. Heck, I am paranoid about moving to another town in the same state let alone a foreign country! Unbeknownst to me, this courageous act my grandmother took on was the one thing that kept me going when times got tough.

This woman wasn't of afraid of anything or anyone. It seems as though she was always ready to take on a new challenge. Everyone, who knew her respected her and spoke extremely highly of her. Although, she as a bit shy once you got close her, there is no denying that she commanded respect and admiration when she walked into a room.

Because of this woman having the courage to embark on this journey, I am here telling you this story today. My grandmother's courage helped change all of our families lives. All of her children and grandchildren are now able to have a higher standard of living than they could have back in the Dominican Republic. We are able to do and have what we would like to have. She would always say this country has allowed my grandchildren to able to study and work for a place with a spinning chair. (A spinning chair was an office seat) That to her was the epitome of comfort.

Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away in 2006. She died in her sleep in the Dominican Republic. Although, it was such a devastating event, everyone, that knew her were glad to know that she died peacefully in her sleep. "She helped so many people, God would't take her away struggling," exclaimed her best friend of 50 years. It seemed as though the whole village came to the funeral. There were about 300 people. Mainly women and children that she helped financially. Although, I felt like I was dying inside when my grandmother passed I am no consoled to know that she will always be remembered as the town's God Mother.