A Mother’s Wisdom

Most children believe their mother is the best, and I am certainly no exception.  (I would like to add, that I also have 12 siblings who would back up that claim 100%. )  I have always been a “momma’s boy” and even after eleven years since her passing, I still think that my mom is a saint.

Navidad G. Castillo was my mother’s name.  She was a strong and kind woman with a spiritual heart and a generous soul.  She devoted her entire life to her children and her unconditional love was like a warm and colorful blanket of humble wisdom that shielded us from the cold.

In The Valiente Series,  Mrs. Jimenez’s mannerisms, the way she speaks, her rapport with her children and her spiritual convictions remind me so much of my mother.  Mrs. Jimenez resonates  benevolence,  resilience, and unfailing insight.  She is the glue that keeps the dynamic family together.

Here is a glimpse….

Excerpt from Valiente: Flames and Fury

Mrs. Jimenez reached around and turned off the stove. She swiftly covered the tortillas to keep them soft and warm. She began to place the leftovers in plastic containers.

“Mija, look at my hand,” said Mrs. Jimenez as she showed her daughter all five fingers. “All of the fingers are different, right?”

Vanessa giggled and shook her head. “Uh, yeah, Mom. Do you need to sit down for a minute? It’s kind of warm in here. Are you okay?”

Mrs. Jimenez playfully tossed a dish towel at her daughter and gave her the evil eye. “Chiflada! No, just like all the fingers are different, so are my children,” replied the mother of five.

“Tus hermanitos don’t handle things the same way,” sighed Mrs. Jimenez. “Chente is more of a thinker and Victor is more—”

“Reactive,” answered Vanessa as she carefully nodded. She finally grasped her mother’s message.

The mother smiled and nodded as she turned her attention to the dirty dishes in the sink.

Vanessa sat at the kitchen table in silence. She carefully watched her mother washing dishes and felt very lucky to have so much wisdom at her disposal. She got up and tenderly hugged her mother from behind. “I love you, Mom,” whispered Vanessa as she softly rested her head on her mother’s shoulders.

“Ay mija, pues I love you too,” sighed Mrs. Jimenez as she continued washing the dirty dishes.

Vanessa stood next to her mother, quietly dried the wet plates, and placed them back in the cupboard next to the sink. She watched her mother from the corner of her eyes and was grateful for the quiet moment in time. Vanessa hoped that one day she would be wise, like the great woman standing next to her….

As I mentioned earlier, my beloved mother was simply the best.  She was humble and kind and everything good.  Although she is no longer here on this earth, her memory still shines on the pages of The Valiente Series.

#The Valiente Series