My mother is one of nine sisters, all of which have experienced their own set of experiences and hardships. They were raised by our Blanco Family matriarch who led with love and care, but also discipline. Throughout the years I have heard the many stories of my mother and aunts growing up with their parents. It is absolutely magical in the rare instances where we all gather together to hear those stories from their childhood. Similarly, a large portion of my cousins, offsprings of the strong Blanco women, have our own stories to tell as we at times lived under the same roof, loved by the same aunts and cared by our beautiful grandmother. 

We have often heard that it takes a village to raise a child, well for me, my brother, and numerous cousins that village was the Blanco women who allowed us to have fun, but were strong in discipline should we get out of line. The strong bonds formed in those formative years of our childhood continue to these days and even though we are well into adulthood, they do not hesitate to still put us in our place when we get out of line…love them all completely. 

In all these interactions; however, resides My Rock…my mother! No words and no feelings can describe the love I have for her. She is my inspiration, the wind beneath my wings, and the drive that pushes me to achieve even greater things I think possible. Throughout my life she has been my constant guardian, my advisor, my cheerleader, and my shoulder to cry on. She has taught me and my brother so many things and I am sharing some of that wisdom below: 

Perseverance

Where do I begin, my mother has gone through so many challenges in her life and yet she continues the drive to come through no matter the challenge. She has always been a believer that there is always something better in the horizon if you work hard at what you do.

Life will continue to throw challenges and obstacles along the way, but if you remain steadfast in your belief, success will come even if takes a while to achieve it. Her work ethic, drive to achieve the best, and intellect to learn even those things that may be challenging for her is something that I try to emulate every chance I get. 

Commitment

As a devoted mother and wife she has been committed from day one. Commitment to her is doing what you say you were going to do and more. She is a go above and beyond person. Not for recognition, but because she knows that is the right thing to do. I have seen this in her throughout my life, do things without complaining, work hard at your craft, prepare for the unexpected and always do good work.

Unconditional Love

If I were to give a motto to my mother it would be this one. She has truly practiced this throughout her life. She has been able to care not only for her two sons, but also temporary care for several of my cousins growing up. Through it all she treated them no different than her own kids and to this day she treats them like her own. She does this to everyone she meets; there are no strangers for her. She gives unconditionally and if you love her food she will certainly spoil you with her cuisine. She is loving, caring, and understanding to all and always makes her self available in times of hardship and need. 

To me this results in practicing empathy, reaching out to those in need, making yourself available to those seeking your guidance and advice. And do it all without any expectation of reciprocity. Give wholeheartedly because it is the human thing to do and look past the biases that may be preventing you from truly making a human connection with someone else. 

As we grow, we reflect on the many mothers that have touched our lives. Some whom may have also taken us under their wings and provided that love and support in times of need. I am forever thankful for the amazing women that have been a part of my village through childhood and adulthood. I can only hope that as a son, father, and husband I can make them all proud and share their wisdom with the world. 

I have been blessed by an amazing mother and I would not be the man I am today without her love and guidance. I am forever thankful for all she has done for me and continue to do as a mom and now grandma.

On this Mother’s Day I celebrate my mother for her perseverance, commitment, and love. May the Lord continue to shower you with blessings and may we be blessed with many more years celebrating you.

Te queremos muchísimo Mamá!