May 7, 1990 - El Paso Herald-Post

Three mothers - founts of love and beauty

For most folks, Sunday will be a jubilant day. My day will be mixed in emotion and remembrance, but there will be much to celebrate as I enjoy the beauty and joy of three mothers within my immediate family.

My own mother died in my arms seven years ago in a local hospital, and though there is still an ember of pain-seared recollection, there is also a great sense of love and understanding. My Madrecita Lena was a joy, a jewel of a person.

Strength was one of her qualities, and it was gentle and resilient, as well as musical and caring. I have many wonderful memories - as do my brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and children - of a New Mexican woman who knew how to delicately yet firmly transact with the world and her,family in two languages.

A poem sings within, Jefita, as I recall you, and it sings also to my sisters - Mary, Helen, and Katy - who are also mothers, as are my numerous nieces. They have a sensible love of family, and I marvel at the will to make life enjoyable, though it can be trying to cope with modern society and its crazy-quilt economy.

Three other mothers have made my life also very meaningful: Maria Teresa - Tere - my better half; Libertad-Yvonne, the daughter who ushered me into grandfatherhood, a continuing joy; and Estela Silva, who gave life to Tere and who has been a pillar of familial support.

Tere, cariño is another word for you, for it speaks to tender feelings and is also a poetic way of seeing beyond the beauty to the strength you are within our family.

On May 10, 1965, you gave us the festejo of a firstborn child, and then proceeded to undergird the family, while displaying the means to act and creatively face a swirling world of arbitrary experiences. Ever there, you have been a companion, as well as a leading force, through the migrating ups and downs of a poet's journey.

Neither lack of material resources nor the pain of death visiting our family has crushed you, and you have a most tender side to you, one which inspires me to respect your sensibility, the fluidity of your humanity, Tere.

Libertad-Yvonne, I recalled your birth last week while we celebrated your birthday. It was a New England event for me, seeing you opening your eyes to take in the foliage of Massachusetts in that lovely spring of 1970.

Now, mi muy querida hijita, I see you within the wonder of your own domain, a mother who lovingly guides two children - dear Natividad and precious Jennifer and I celebrate your growing empowerment, your nascent will and the gentle strength within your vision as you envision your children and their needs. Songs and poems dance within my very spirit as I wish you well on this day.

Ustéd, Doña Estela, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, loving suegra and doting mother, I celebrate you for the understanding you have shared, for the willingness to reach out to others and make their lives more endurable - and not just your children's, but those of strangers you have helped. You were awarded a second-place honor during the Senior Adult Program as a solo dance performer in the 1990 Arts Festival Senior Adult Show at the El Paso Community College, and your children and grandchildren felt immense love and pride in your determination to excel.

You have always been a winner, Señora, and I've much love to greet you and the other madrecitas in our family and everywhere with you've made of earth a garden, and from life created joy-filled gems, easing the journeys we must all embark on ...gracias....