A wealth of emotions rolls down my cheeks when the pictures of when you were children I have in front of me. Where did the time go? I miss having you close every day. How I regret not frozen your childhood. I would like to have your faces in my hands and your tender glances anchor in my soul.
The photo album keeps the experiences and memories of you, my greatest treasure. I often spend time flipping through the pages full of pictures proving that you were once beautiful children. Now you turned into men, you followed your dreams, and reached great goals.
I see on those pictures the moments when you were playing and laughing together while running in the courtyard of the house that we remember and long for. We still pass the street in front of it and although it is from afar it reminds us of the happy moments we lived there. The swing, the flowers, and the neighbors remained as witnesses of the family separated by fate. They were happy times that will live forever in our minds.
It pains me to accept that also due to yesterday’s circumstances your smiles changed to tears and the pain at some point made prisoner your tender hearts. We have lived many experiences, I regret that not all were of joy, children of my heart. Despite everything, do not forget the years when you grew up united in the love of brothers that is the foundation of your relationship. That love will help you to bear the onslaught of life with courage. Stay close to each other so that the memories your built now be beautiful in the future.
Please know that if I ever lacked patience, I assure you that I never lacked love. Although by making mistakes, I wanted to carve out a future where I could supply all your needs and give you an example of survival. Today I see my efforts in your talents, in your successes, and in the love with which you treat my beloved grandchildren. Maybe there was no other option, I thought that I chose the best when I was trying to develop my talents.
Even so, how it hurts me not having the good sense to have tied your childhood with my hands. If I could go back, I would collect your smiles in my arms. I am immensely proud to be the mother of two exemplary men who carved out a profitable future for themselves.
You, the oldest, were an example that the youngest could follow. You made the law your friend and you dressed well the blue uniform for the city and the county. In the American Army, the Navy, and the Air Force are records of your service of excellence. Although you were also naughty when you were little, you turned your brother upside down to make him laugh. You gave your father and me a big scare.
Of you my youngest I remember when you made us all laugh with your grimaces while they cut your hair. We are equally proud that you have gone down the path of obeying the law and enforcing it. I cannot believe my eyes when I see you arriving in your patrol car. Both are amazing examples of achievement despite life’s challenges. I will not brag about all the other talents and accomplishments you have made; I do not want to sound vain.
One day, when life allows you to reach my age you will understand these reflections and the hidden intention. I leave on these sentences what I keep in my heart with love and many times with pain. I started at an early age and if it were not for my parents who knows what destiny we would have faced.
Your grandmother, my mother, was a crucial part when you were little, she knew the time would pass and that children do not stay small. Your grandfather dedicated himself to care for you with love. He treasured the affection from the grandchildren he inherited by marriage.
It still fills me with joy to hear your voices, read your messages, and sit with you at the table. You will always be the best of me, my pride, my success, and my greatest achievement.
Corazón Samaritano 