Branches Book

BRANCHES

week. I was running low on money and losing patience by the hour. A new century had finally arrived. Welcome to the year 2000! Most of my children had found themselves in the United States and I felt inspired to follow them, which was why I was in a crummy, stuffy room with strangers who also waited. News reached me to inform me that the coyote hired by my kids backed out of the offer. I sighed in disappointment, but was told that my daughters had found a new coyote. I thought to myself, “For $3,500, I might be able to see them again.” The coyote picked me and another young woman up at night to start our journey across the border. At midnight, I began walking. Guided by moonlight across mountains, I walked into the darkness of the night, into US territory. I’ve experienced more loss, pain, love, and hardship than most people. As I travelled through the unknown, I was not afraid because I knew I could endure any new challenge or overcome whatever obstacle came my way. If life had taught me anything, it was how to be strong. Despite walking for hours, the biting wind chilled me to the bone. Foe or friend, I grabbed onto the other travelers for warmth. Embracing one another to fight the cold, we hiked across foreign territory until we reached a house by sunrise. There, a van was waiting. I climbed into it and although I was beyond exhausted, my nerves wouldn’t let me sleep or rest. Anxious to arrive Los Angeles, I squirmed in my seat. The seatbelt felt uncomfortably constraining, but I wouldn’t complain or whine. I felt the engine hum and it soothed my nerves. I felt like crying. I felt like laughing. I was sad, but I was also beyond happy. I had never felt so many different emotions at the same time, nor did I think I could! I was stunned. My youngest child, Graciela, had also recently had a daughter named Jackeline. I was on my way to meet her, but already I knew, I would love her. The van would take me to her, to my daughters, to a new home. A Bee Named Jackie I have yet to meet another woman who has experienced as much loss as my grandmother. I cannot begin to fully comprehend how much pain she suffered, but can only admire her strength to continue moving forward. Through all the hardships she endured, she was able to stand back up again and overcome overwhelming challenges. My memory of her was only a part of her life, but a hugely significant part of my life. I only knew my grandma as this fragile woman who limped because she suffered from arthritis in her right knee. She was gentle and kind. She was my second mother, yet I never knew about all the pain she experienced. I didn’t know she was the strongest woman I’d ever meet. She was a beautiful, powerful rose that needed me because her love and my love made her pain less. I needed her because she showed me what it felt like to be loved and how to show that love back. I miss her. I love her and always will.

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