By: Gabriela Gonzalez
Yesterday was a busy day. All week I’ve been running to and fro, rain or shine, trying to make my hair look decent and such things. Yesterday afternoon I stopped at the Taco Bell off of Archer. It used to be gross to be honest, but now it’s remodeled and clean. The people that work there are really sweet. The two cashier people were hispanic and very smiley.
After eating-I left while still chewing- sad, I know. (I don’t even have time to eat?) I went to the hospital to meet my mom there to see my cousin who had surgery yesterday.
When we got to the lobby, a man with white hair and hard of hearing noticed us after we said hello twice. We didn’t know what room she was in and so we told him her name. Of course, being Puerto Rican, the name is a hispanic name. The man picked up the phone and kept trying to pronounce the name to himself and we kept aiding him in his attempt.
Suddenly, I guess someone answered on the other line because he said her first name and then when it was time for the last name he lowered his voice and mumbled something that resembled Chinese. My eyes opened wide with the What-the-Heck expression. For some reason, my mother and brothers could not contain themselves and they started a laughing fit (one of the kind you can’t control). Horrible, I know, but it was priceless.
It was awesome (once we got to the room). She is a strong woman. My other cousin was there, and we laughed and told stories. Classic family time. I love that about hispanic families. Through pain and laughter, through the injustices of life and the craziness people cause one thing is sure:
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; …
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Today, I feel strong, nationalistic and happy. In life’s routine, it’s so easy to go a while without seeing family- but there are hardships that bring you together. Though we are always together in my heart, it was good to be there in person.
So for my Puerto Rican soul I share:
GABRIELA YARELIZ 