Staying Grounded

I grew up in a lower middle class family, and there were some hard times. I don't think nearly as hard as what our country is facing now. We struggled as a family, but though those hard times we stuck together and were able to get out of it together. During those times I would get upset and wonder why our family has to go though these times, WHY? As I look back I appreciate them more. I feel that I have learned and grew as a person for those times. I appreciate what I have SO MUCH!!

Growing up my mother once told me "Never forget when you come from," I responded "Of course Mom." I gave her that response because what my mother said was the law, but at the age I was at (which was 12ish, I think) I didn't really understand that concept. As I've grown up this statement makes more sense. I've been blessed to have been able to go to college and finish. Once you graduate from college you get this new found confidence that you didn't have before. I told my fiance when he graduated with his Masters Degree, that this was something that Not ONE person could take away from him. Granted when you receive a college degree doors open, you can apply for different types of jobs, ones that usually do not require too much physical labor. Sometimes this "confidence' can get to your head and some people may start to think they are better than others. Others may try to assimilate into culture quickly since they are able to live a life of luxury that others aren't able to. This the time that I really came to understand my mom's old advice. I think that in any case we have to be grateful for what we have, since one day it may all be gone and all you have left is su familia, and you will truly be reminded of where you came from.

I have an uncle and aunt on my dad's side who are immigrants and worked hard for what they have and pretty successful now. Instead of being grateful and humbled by their success, they often behave as if they are better than everyone else. This really annoys me because,you have been blessed with rather than flaunting it, be THANKFUL for what you have! I realize that most of the time this primarily deals with money but money does not buy happiness! I know that I would rather have my family than all the money in the world.

In closing I say follow the advice of my mother "Never Forget Where You Come From." If you forget you may spend your entire life trying to find it again.

Take Care & God Bless!

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