Skip to main content

We Are Lucky


  

I hope, when you read this, that I have raised you to be grateful. Grateful for the parents who love you, for your health, for the freedom you enjoy, and for the life we have provided for you. You are lucky, you live in a country where we are free to say what we want and to enjoy our religion, celebrate our traditions, a country that doesn't live in war. We live in a country that is considered a first-world nation, which means that your idea of what it's like to be poor is probably not very accurate unless you have done your research (in that case, I am very proud). Poverty is a strange, foreign thing for you. Besides a few homeless people in the street, you haven't seen children malnourished and begging for money, you haven't seen the filth and the desperation associated with hunger, and you haven't felt hunger, ever. You don't know what it actually means not to have a home, electricity, phone, internet, a car, an education. Your opportunities are endless; they stretch as far as your imagination allows them to, and this is all plain luck. You don't deserve to have all of this, just as that sick, poor child doesn't deserve to be sick and hungry.
I hope you understand that the rest of the world doesn't live like you do. You are lucky to be growing up with diversity all around you, to have the opportunity to have a voice and to live with kindness and security. You should use all of these privileges to do some good in the world, explore different things, seek knowledge, and be an agent of change.
I grew up in a very colourful country. As you will soon find out, or you already have, there are many highs and lows. The economic disparities that exist in Mexico and the lack of equality for men and women are unbelievable. Still, I love my country and its people; we are resilient, fighters, creative, joyful, and warm individuals. I love my history; that will be your history because we can't help but teach what we have learned over years and years, regardless of the country we are now living in. I hope you take good from each place and replace the bad with the good you will find somewhere else. I hope you realize you have and will get all the tools to succeed in life; a loving family, a good structure value system, freedom, education, and health. 
Above all, remember you are loved, which is the greatest gift of all. 


Comments

  1. CMRenoudSeptember 17, 2014 at 3:12 PM

    Excellent insight Malu. Like you I agree that there are many blessings we should be thankful for, but above all being loved, not only by one, but by two amazing parents is a true, priceless gift. Carlos and You are excellent people and I am sure you will prove to be caring and attentive parents.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unas por Otras

  My dear girls,  In Spanish, we say "unas por otras," which is how we justify the tradeoff: we gain some and lose some. It has been almost 18 years since I came to Canada. I know, think, curse, and dream in English just as much as I do in Spanish. We alternate languages around the house and speak some Spanglish version that only you and Dad can understand. There have been many ups and downs, losses, and many treasures gained. My mind is settled; I no longer wish to live in Mexico; I like my life and this version of myself here. That doesn't mean I don't miss everything about it; I miss driving through a street that brings out childhood memories; I miss the people I left behind, the people who loved me, the people who raised me, the noise, feeling a deep sense of belonging. Still, I convince myself daily that this was the right decision for you and me.  News about Mexico hurt my heart; the government, the violence, the murders, the unpunished crimes against women, the...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why I chose to be a mother

My dearest child, You are too young to understand, and having children may not be on your mind. But I had this discussion with my friends not long ago, and it has haunted me for days. I enjoy many things about being a mother; I love to hear you laugh, play, and be happy, have cuddle sessions with you and teach you new things. I do not enjoy my lack of sleep when you are sick, and I can't help you when you get injured, and I have to wait hours in the emergency room to make sure you are okay. Having children, as fulfilling as it is, takes work. You don't usually pop a baby out and get suddenly wrapped in this overwhelming motherly instinct. You don't pull patience out of thin air and become the best mother in the world just by having a child. I wish! Still, I am as tired as can be, and I have also achieved a new level of happiness that I didn't know existed until you came along. My friend said having a baby is expensive; the medical bills, the new baby gear you ne...
Post a Comment
Read more

Understanding Over Judging

My dearest girls,  Many people out there feel it is their right to tell others how to live, who to love, how to behave, and what box they belong to. You have the power to choose whether you want to be labelled or whether or not you belong in a box. Nobody has the right to tell people there is anything wrong with their choices or identity. I would encourage you to seek answers not only from people who are similar to you but also from those who are different, those courageous enough to stand their ground and own who they are, even if it goes against what society dictates.   I have always believed that you can teach yourself to love anyone if you take time to get to know them. There is always something beautiful and unique about any human being. Beauty can be made out of hopes, dreams and joy but also out of struggle and pain. In that sense, any person should be a beautiful canvas of experiences; the more you know, the more you understand, and you care, and the more you care...
Post a Comment
Read more