RED ROSE DAY REMINDS ME OF MY MOM

My mom’s name is Rosa (Rose in English), and she happens to love roses very much. Today as we celebrate Red Roses day, I will honor my mom writing about her. It has been a couple of years since I saw her last and I miss her tremendously.

Last year she had Covid due to exposure from one of her caregivers. Four full days before she went to the hospital, after experiencing feelings of tiredness, we thought it was due to recent foot surgery and the effects of the anesthesia. She didn’t’ develop other symptoms, just exhaustion, and low oxygen levels. It was hard to know she was all alone in that hospital, in another state. I’m grateful she kept her phone and could talk to me every day.

The Covid treatment was very severe but she made it. Her nurses treated her with the utmost respect, care, and love. The nurses even jumped over her to hold her tight when the injections she received made her scream with pain. My mom is 83 years old and while her walk is slow, her mind is sharp as ever. I don’t know when I will see her or if I will ever see her in person again.

I have a terrible fear of cars and from New York to Connecticut is a long way to be in one of them. She is brilliant and we facetime almost every day. I’m thankful for the tools that allow staying close even during difficult times. I love you, mom! You are my rock, friend, and inspiration to stay strong.

El nombre de mi mamá es Rosa (Rose en inglés), y le encantan las rosas. Hoy, mientras celebramos el día de las Rosas Rojas, honraré a mi mamá escribiendo sobre ella. Han pasado un par de años desde la última vez que la vi y la extraño muchísimo.

El año pasado tuvo Covid cuando la muchacha que la cuidaba la expuso sin decirle. Cuatro días antes de que fuera al hospital, después de experimentar sensación de cansancio, pensamos que se debía a una cirugía reciente del pie y a los efectos de la anestesia. Ella no desarrolló otros síntomas, solo agotamiento y bajos niveles de oxígeno. Era difícil saber que estaba sola en ese hospital, en otro estado. Estoy agradecida de que ella se quedara con su teléfono y pudiera hablar conmigo todos los días.

El tratamiento de Covid fue muy severo pero lo logró. Sus enfermeras la trataron con el mayor respeto, cuidado y amor. Las enfermeras incluso saltaban sobre ella para abrazarla fuerte cuando las inyecciones que recibió la hacían gritar de dolor. Mi mamá tiene 83 años y, aunque camina lento, su mente está más aguda que nunca. No sé cuándo la veré o si la volveré a ver en persona.

Tengo un miedo terrible a los coches y de Nueva York a Connecticut es un largo camino para estar en uno de ellos. Ella es brillante y nos hablamos en la cámara del teléfono casi todos los días. Estoy agradecido por las herramientas que permiten estar cerca incluso en tiempos difíciles. ¡Te quiero, mami! Eres mi roca, mi amiga y mi inspiración para mantenerme fuerte.

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My take on Mulan

What a great story, and how much truth I found in the movie Mulan. I will not narrate the scenes in detail because I will like for you to see them and enjoy them as much as I did, twice.

In the movie, Mulan exhibits her gift and talents to the ones closest to her. Soon she finds out they do not understand nor celebrate them. People have a preconceived notion of who you are and what you should do or accomplished in life according to your family pedigree, origin, or status.

Despite sadness and heartaches, she longs to pursue her destiny. In her gifts and talents, she found her sell fulfilled and content. Her father fails to recognize her calling to a vast extent. Meanwhile, he celebrates her talent while worried about the opinion of the villagers.

In one of the scenes, he said, I am blessed with two daughters. It made me tear up. The father’s blessings are important, and we must seek to get them before it is too late. It will cover and propel you to your assignment. The father recognized she made a mistake leaving the traditions and customs but never took the blessing back.

Your gift will make room for you to express it. Even if you are afraid, remember, there is no courage without fear. The witches and dark forces will offer your adversaries your blood to gain favor. Be careful with whom you are seeking favor. They will eventually turn on you as well. In your journey, you will find set traps for you to fail. Many would like to see you on your knees in shame.

The wise use the enemy’s weapons in their favor to succeed. The people that belief in you will cheer you up and will always have your back. They will open a path and protect you while you pursue your destiny. They do not care to risk their life for yours. Even the very dark forces will have to surrender to your purpose and calling.

Raise like the Phoenix. Say your real name out loud. Do not be ashamed of yourself. You are more than enough. You are brave, smart, and called for a purpose. When you feel accomplished, do not forget where you came from and the people who made you who you are.

Remember your parents and ask for forgiveness even when you obtain glory and applause of the multitudes. Your ways were not their ways, and it was hard for them to accept it. They will be happy about your accomplishments, no matter what. You just got them by surprise. Virtues to remember and live by Loyalty, Bravery, Truth, and Devotion to your family.

Turquoise Jim

Who will narrate the legends of our ancestors, in prose and verses with a peculiar style and own drawings now that you are gone? On the balconies, the wind chimes play with beautiful sounds, the life story of the hands that formed their beauty and their shape, although the sound is not like the usual one of joy because today, they are in mourning.

The drawings that remained in his memory without taking shape on the Christmas cards will have to be complete in the heavenly court where he will be waiting to deposit them in our hands one day.

Today, the little birds in the trees sing a farewell song to the one who was their companion on the Red River banks. The river carried the wood drifts that inspired him to create picturesque scenes, but today they float aimlessly down the stream of water away from his magic hands.

No one will capture the bright colors on the canvas or collect in the photo albums, old times. He was called Turquoise Jim, by his friends. He was proud of the Native American in his blood. For others, he was the older brother who never came late to a family event, for it was the most important thing for him.

The chair at the table will be empty without his presence, and the brothers are incomplete, where there were four, now only seats three. There will be no one to replace the storyteller, one who will become a legend himself.

We will always remember and love you, brother.

No me des consejos

Todavía recuerdo cuanto me molestaba que me dieran consejos cuando era apenas una muchacha con muchas ganas, pero falta de conocimientos. No era ignorancia más bien prudencia que no ejercía cuando tomaba decisiones fuera del tiempo propicio. Tampoco era osadía porque a nadie le llevaba la contraria, más bien no preguntaba porque no me gustaba seguir ideas que no eran las mías.

Alguna vez recuerdo a mi abuelo querer exponer sus puntos para que yo los siguiera, pero los rechacé antes de que los terminara por concreto. Cuanto lo siento ahora mi querido abuelo. Me dejaron por incorregible y aunque batallé nunca me quedé sin empuje y ganas de sobresalir en lo que me propuse. Dice el refrán que nadie escarmienta por cabeza ajena.

Cada uno debe vivir sus propias penas y obtener sus propias victorias después de pasar dolores de cabeza. Lo bueno es que ahora no puedo decir que me equivoqué por culpa de malas recomendaciones. Tomé decisiones y sufrí en el camino, pero esas acciones me llevaron hasta este suelo donde ahora vivo. Estudié en la Universidad de mí país, Puerto Rico, y viví ricas experiencias. Aprendí a desenvolverme en la sociedad y a desarrollar ideas que me han guiado hasta este día.

Por esta forma de ser me arriesgué a entrar en la profesión que ejerzo por más de veinte años sin apenas hablar el idioma. Podía entenderlo mejor si era por escrito. Antes de comenzar en Bienes Raíces recuerdo que redacté mi resumé en inglés. Una amiga y compañera de trabajo me dijo que no estaba bien. ¿Qué le debo arreglar?, le pregunté. Pero ella no me supo contestar. Yo envié la aplicación junto con aquel pobre resumé que quizá fue tirado a la basura. Quería entrar a trabajar en el periódico local, sí, en el pueblo donde vivo con el idioma que todavía no domino por completo.

Valentía y sueños jamás han estado escasos en mi cabeza llena de ideas. Yo no nací para trabajar en ventas “retail” al por menor para una compañía y eso lo sabía muy bien. Me acaba de decir mi esposo este día que no me gustan las estructuras y me parece que tiene toda la razón. Yo pensaba que no me gustaban los compromisos y por eso detestaba horarios de trabajo fijos. Creo que hasta ahora entiendo mi forma de actuar. Tanto es así que contando con clientela mayormente hispana las citas de trabajos las hago sabiendo que probablemente ellos llegarán tarde. Yo he aprendido a ser muy responsable con mis negocios, pero conozco de dónde vienen mis clientes y los entiendo muy bien.

Bueno al tema, no obteniendo el trabajo en el periódico me fui de vacaciones de esa compañía y jamás volví. Al poco tiempo abrí mi propio negocio donde vendía de todo un poco, ahí tampoco duré mucho porque tenía la mirada puesta en algo más provechoso. Mis metas eran más grandes que las habilidades que en ese momento poseía. Por azares del destino mediante una compra y venta de un vehículo de recreación conocí a mi primer bróker. Su esposa al conocerme me invitó rápidamente a ser parte de su compañía.

Comencé con las clases y estudié sabiendo que tenía una desventaja. Jamás fallé en algún examen, ni aún en los exámenes del estado para obtener licencia de “Affiliate Broker”. Es la licencia para vender bajo una compañía independiente. Lloré aquel día cuando me dijeron que pasé las dos partes de las que consistía el largo y complicado examen de opciones múltiples. Unos años después obtuve mi licencia como Bróker (con esa licencia puedo abrir mi propia compañía), pero no lo haré porque luego no me sobraría tiempo para contarles estas historias. Ese examen lo tomé de noche y no le dije a nadie que lo tomaría en caso de que no lo pasara.

Creo que el deseo de sobresalir se ve reflejado en no dejarle ver a otros que he fallado en algún proyecto, espero que no sea baja estima ni mucho menos orgullo. Puedo testificar que querer es poder y que no debes ponerles límites a tus sueños. Veintiún años después he sido reconocida como una hispana sobresaliente en el pueblo donde vivo junto a mi esposo, mis lindos hijos y nietos a quienes adoro.

Es muy gracioso ver ahora mi carácter en mis hijos. Quisiera ahorrarles el trabajo que yo pasé, pero a ellos tampoco les parece recibir consejos ajenos. Piensan quizás que mi época pasó, probablemente eso fue lo que pensé yo cuando no quise escuchar a mi abuelo.

A SEASON OF HOPE

Beautiful trees show the most beautiful colors red, yellow, orange, and golden browns adorn the scenery. In in my hometown is a season many of us enjoy while embracing the hope for a turn of the page.

It has been quite hard this year that is coming to an end. Although the answers for a solution may be weeks or months away, we hope it does not take all years or many more tears.

A life I only read in history books about plagues that disrupt the standard of life and sometimes take it away is happening in our world. I hope it is not here to stay.

We mourn the lost while praying for their souls. We think about our kids’ future who are missing the joy of school activities and sharing life with their friends.

Oh, Lord! a sign of hope! Let us light a fire in our hearts with fervent prayers. Come back to our lives and show the world you are in charge. We chased you out of the places where we needed your presence, your favor, and your protection. We repent! Will you forgive us and restore our lives once again?

Let us have an open mind to understand your Words. Your message is sounding louder while we are in this mess. May you keep our families and love ones in the palm of your hands and save the world according to your plan.

We trust in you Lord

STOP HIDING FROM ME

I had a smile but inside of me was a pain until I found HIM!

I waited until the hope of you showing up vanished. I longed to possess you when I thought you gave life its color and its flavor. I am glad I finally realized that you were just a mirage, a dream in my head full of perfectionist ideals.

As a child, I never sense your presence in my solitude or in the games I played. I remember running after you through narrow paths in the hills and country plains, but I did not find you. I was only consoled by the birds chirping. You honored them with your presence. They rejoiced! You did not wait for me, that made me cry very hard.

I once focused my search in the depth of the crystal-clear waters of the creek, hoping to see in it, your reflection. I realize you did not want caress’s my face, so I made friends with the tadpoles. They calmed some of the anxiety your rejection caused me. The splashes while running in the waters refreshed the wounds caused by my insatiable desire to find you, but you did not arrive.

I took refuge in books and, my imagination traveled through unknown countries looking for you. There were traces of your stay, but not the direction you were heading. Once again, I was late to meet you. I crossed oceans arriving in the old world, different languages I never heard before, and smiles marked your splendor. It gave me hope that one day you would be mine as well, but not on that occasion.

I took refuge in the arms of love, but they never satisfied the definition I had of you in my mind. I idealized you, perhaps. Those deceptions deepened my pain and, the need for you intensified in my broken heart. Loveless relations left me a terrible desolation, shame, and depression.

The twilight of my life is approaching, and I keep looking for you in painting, writing, among a few friends, and the life that our Creator choose for me. For some reason, nothing seems to be enough. I stayed awake every night to see if you appear suddenly.

I looked for you in the divinity and, although I know you are not there either; I am full of joy. You certainly last just a little while and then disappeared when the reality of life takes your mask off and shows how you are. Ephemeral.

You are a fleeting feeling and enjoy confusing those who seek you, leaving them with broken promises. The reality of your role in our lives has nothing to do with the idea we forged of you. You are like the morning fog that lasts until the sunlight caresses it. Fragile and selfish. You only share with a selected group.

I finally understood that only the joy that comes from God gives us hope that lasts. I am not looking for you anymore. Don’t keep hiding in vain, HAPPINESS. ❤️

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Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine, CS6000i, 60 Built-in Stitches, 2.0″ LCD Display, Wide Table, 9 Included Sewing Feet

EN VANO TE ESCONDES

Alguna vez todos tuvimos una idea errónea de la definición de la felicidad. No la busques mientras el tiempo pasa y ella no llega.

¡Un día en las riberas del rio del que solo yo me acuerdo!

Esperé por ti hasta que un día se esfumó la esperanza de que llegaras a mi vida. Te anhelaba desde que entendí que das color a la vida, pero pronto realice que eras solo un espejismo, un sueño en mi cabeza llena de ideales perfeccionistas.

No estabas en la soledad y los juegos de niña. Corrí tras de ti por caminos y veredas angostos en las llanuras y las bajadas del campo. Pero no di contigo. Solo me consolaban el trino de los pajaritos que parecían haber tenido el honor de tu presencia.

Me refugié en los libros y con la imaginación viajé por países desconocidos buscándote. Había huellas de tu estadía, pero no la dirección a la que te dirigías, había llegado tarde una vez más a tu encuentro. Crucé océanos hasta el viejo mundo, lenguas que nunca habían oído y sonrisas que marcaban tu esplendor me daban la esperanza de que un día también serías mía.

Estuve buscándote en los brazos del amor, pero ellos nunca saciaron la definición que mi mente guarda de ti. Te he idealizado quizás. Esos encuentros hicieron más profundo mi dolor y la necesidad de que llegaras a mi corazón. Aquellos momentos me provocaron una terrible desolación, vergüenza y depresión. 

Un día te busqué en la familia que tenía, pero estaban muy ocupados para compartir lo que tú les habías regalado. Miraba sus rostros llenos de ti mientras compartían cada día. Me provocaba celos su complicidad, entonces una vez más me llenó la soledad, el dolor y la confusión. Parece que no tenían de ti lo suficiente para convidarme al delicioso banquete que tú les proveías.  ¿Acaso no había lugar para que me invitaran a degustar de tus manjares? 

Se acerca el ocaso de mi vida y te busco en la pintura, la escritura, los pocos amigos y la vida que escogió nuestro Creador. Por alguna razón  nada parece ser suficiente, sigo en vela cada noche a ver si apareces de repente. 

Te busco en la divinidad y aunque sé que ahí tampoco estás, me lleno de gozo. Recién entendí que tú solo duras muy poco. Desapareces de repente cuando la realidad de la vida te quita la careta y te muestra tal cual eres. Efímera.

Eres pasajera y confundes a los que te buscan dejándolos con promesas incumplidas. La realidad de tu propósito en nuestras vidas nada tiene que ver con el sueño que de ti forjamos. Eres como el vapor de la mañana que dura hasta que la luz del sol la acaricia. Frágil y mezquina. Solo compartes con un grupo selecto.

Ya entendí que solo el gozo que viene de Dios nos da una esperanza que perdura
Ya no te busco, no sigas escondiéndote en vano, FELICIDAD.❤️

Espera en Dios y en su tiempo perfecto.

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Regrets

“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today”

Will Rogers

I often think about the good old days and the days I remember with feelings of regret.

People surrounding you, the ones you do not get to see, may often have an idea about you somewhat far from the truth.

People find you strong because they know your story. You are still standing and, that is how a strong person prove itself. At least according to them.

You had no choice but to move forward. You accomplished almost everything you dreamed of. That is great, but it is not the total picture of who you are and the regrets you carry in the deepest parts of your heart.

We have created a facade from the life we want everyone to see, although behind closed doors we take the mask off. (Very much like the reality these days). In our private rooms, we allow the real us to stand up. It is understandable. We do not want pity or murmurings.

We put on our best smile at work, in front of friends and, church events. No one cares about your story. Why would you tell? That is our mentality and in many instances we are correct. Very few people have time to hear or be interested in what you need to say.

When they ask you in the morning; how are you doing? It is just a greeting, please go on and say that you are okay. There is no time to sit down and chat about your situation, your drama, or your feelings. That only brings them exasperation.

Why I find myself writing about things that happened long ago? I believe some of those memories haunted me as regrets until recently. Thank the Lord for a breakthrough! Thinking and pondering about the reasons and the root of many of my issues I learned it is all too common for many of us.

I regret not taking my father to get the mail without complaining, or not understanding my mother when she did not have time for me. She was busy and I could not see it until I raised my kids. A kid has an infinity of free time. You do not notice it then, but you did not have time for your parents either. You wanted your needs to be met. Yes, you were selfish when you were young.

How did you change when you became a parent? Maybe we did not change much at all. Too busy, too preoccupied about the responsibilities. A little selfish in our free time. I wanted to do my things; cooking, cleaning, crafting and, be at church every Sunday.

I took the kids camping, we fished, enjoyed vacations and many other things. I was not as busy as my parents working at the farm. Then again, time seemed never to be enough to meet the little ones’ requests.

I wish I had put my chores to the side and spend more time hugging and playing. Now they are grown, with families and careers on their own. We are close, we share, and we love each other. No doubt our relationship is good, but sometimes I wish I could do it all over again and changed how I allocated my time when they were little.

I find myself telling them to pay attention to the matters I missed while raising them. I am afraid they will regret not spending precious time with their kids as I sometimes did when raising them. I found the courage to asked them for forgiveness in case I ever lacked on showing them love or affection. You are alright, they say with a smile.

I am intentional these days in how I interact and find ways to give them time and affection. Maybe I will make up for some of the time I missed when I was younger and eager to accomplish my desires, passions, and things I wanted to learn.

Writing about my feelings allowed me to cry, think, evaluate and, understand those feelings a little better. I needed to forgive myself, just as I need to understand and forgive others. I cannot change the past, but I can start afresh. We all made mistakes, and we will make them again. It is life and not perfect.

Asking someone for forgiveness does not mean that you will get it. Do your due diligence and let time bring reconciliation if it is the time to happen. Get your heart right with yourself and with God. Living with regrets is debilitating and counterproductive. Express who you are and let your feelings show.

Do not hold your compliments, your words of encouragement, or expressing love. If you do, you may have missed a precious opportunity. I know I did, and it took me a long time to forgive myself.

Be blessed and free of regrets.

Broken Heart

In the time of need, you turned away, Leaving us behind in disarray. Our tears and brokenness, you don’t see, As you walk away from all that used to be. You forgot us all, your family so dear, Leaving us to cope with our fear. We’ll survive, but it won’t be easy, Without you, it’s…

by Corazón Samaritano April 29, 2023

Al Descubierto

Encerrado en mi prisión de sentimientos, me debato entre el miedo y la indecisión. ¿Debo abrir mi corazón al mundo entero, o seguir ocultando mi dolor y mi pasión? He intentado expresar lo que siento, pero el mundo me ha juzgado sin piedad. Mis palabras se vuelven contra mí, y me siento cada vez más…

by Corazón Samaritano April 17, 2023

My friend Anthony

To my friend, the artist with a vision so bright, Your creativity shines like a beacon in the night. With brushstrokes and colors, you bring life to the canvas, And your art inspires and awakens all of us. Your mind is a world of wonder and mystery, A place where imagination runs free. Through your…

by Corazón Samaritano March 6, 2023

Los que florecen tarde

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“No importa cuanto te tardes en florecer mientras mantengas tus raíces con vida” Corazón Samaritano

Durante la primavera del año pasado, mi esposo y yo fuimos a la ferretería y compramos dos plantas de flores similares. Él eligió una que estaba llena de vida, floreciendo a su máxima capacidad florecitas azules. La mía era más pequeña con flores rosadas y muchos capullos. Hasta ahora nada fuera de lo común. Excepto que este año mi planta está viva y la de él se murió. ¡Se fue para siempre! ¿Cómo ha sucedido? Son plantas perennes después de todo.

Es asombroso cómo vemos analogía en las cosas más simples de la naturaleza. Ayer mientras estaba lavando mi auto, y lamentándome porque el sol era intenso, la maceta vacía en mi jardín me recordó a los que florecen tarde.

Según el diccionario urbano, las personas que florecen tarde experimentan un apogeo a los 20 y / o 30 años. Es ahí cuando finalmente tienen los factores (situación social y / o laboral, dinero, cuerpo, apariencia, etc.). Te debe encantar cómo el diccionario urbano define las cosas. Algunas definiciones son muy divertidas.

Bueno, esa definición me tocó de cerca. No me gusta mucho, pero debo aceptarlo. Soy una persona que floreció tarde. Fue un verano de 1999 cuando tomé la mejor decisión profesional y la que cambió mi vida. Me dio reconocimiento social y libertad financiera. Tenía 36 años cuando comencé mi carrera de 21 años en el sector inmobiliario. Florecimiento tardío, (Late Bloomer), es una descripción tenue de los años que habían pasado antes de que me llegara la oportunidad de florecer abundantemente.

Estuve ocupada criando a mis hijos y trabajé en diferentes sectores, pero nada de importancia, aunque tengo cuatro años de universidad. Tuve un comienzo tardío, pero lo hice valer y eso es una victoria.

No hablaba inglés con fluidez; mis conexiones sociales se limitaban a amigos de habla hispana. No podía encontrar mi camino por la ciudad y mi paciencia se estaba agotando. ¿Qué marcó la diferencia para mí? Estaba decidida y tenía las herramientas que necesitaba a mi disposición. No tengas miedo de usar esas herramientas mientras te aventuras en un nuevo interés o una carrera. Esas herramientas podrían ser un esposo comprensivo, un compañero de trabajo dispuesto y listo para enseñarte los conceptos básicos. La ayuda de tu mamá cuidando a los niños. Puede ser cualquier cosa. Recuerda hacerles saber lo agradecido que estás.

Los que florecen tarde tienen la ventaja de la experiencia, la resistencia y el deseo de demostrar que pueden. Me aseguré de pasar todos mis exámenes, estudiando intensamente. Tenía algo que demostrarles a mis compañeros y a mí misma. Es bueno resaltar que ninguno de mis compañeros de clases está en el sector inmobiliario actualmente. 

No permitas que pequeñas circunstancias como las barreras del idioma o un sentido limitado de orientación se interpongan en tu camino. A tu alrededor hay personas que quieren ayudarte. Pueden ser unos pocos, eso no es importante. Lo que es crucial es que no estás solo. Muchos de nosotros lo hemos intentado y lo hemos logrado.

Otro ejemplo me ocurrió en 2016. Una amiga me invitó a una reunión, mientras ella enseñaba pintura acrílica. Estaba muy emocionada; nunca hubiera soñado con aprender a pintar. Empecé a seguir a artistas en YouTube y me hice amiga de algunos. Ellos son parte de esas herramientas que necesitas agarrar. Les encanta enseñar y puedes apoyarlos mientras aprendes. Últimamente comencé a escribir sobre mi vida con un amigo escritor. Hasta ahora, he escrito dos libros.

¿Te dije que estoy al final de mis 50 años? Quizás ya hiciste la suma. Bueno, ya ves. Los que florecemos tarde no tenemos tiempo que perder. Hacemos que nuestros esfuerzos cuenten. Ahora quiero compartir mis experiencias y comencé este blog. 

¿Qué tal todos estos logros para alguien que floreció tarde?

No sé dónde te encuentras en la vida, pero quiero animarte a empezar. Solía decir, “si no comienzas, nunca terminarás”. No es un pensamiento profundo, pero aplico este principio a mi vida diariamente. En ese momento me refería a recoger escombros del jardín o cortar el césped, pero últimamente esa frase ha resultado ser cierta en todas las áreas que estoy explorando. Incluso con la curiosidad de saber por qué las plantas con hermosas flores mueren y las que parecen débiles sobreviven y prosperan.

Are you a late bloomer?

“The most beautiful thing is that despite the shallow life we sometimes succumb to – the soul has no timeline and it knows what it wants and will yearn within until it seeks the journey”

― Malebo Sephodi

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Last spring, my husband and I went to the hardware store and purchased two similar plants. He picked the one full of life, blooming to its capacity with lots of tiny blue flowers. Mine was smaller and blooming small pink flowers and had many buds, so far nothing out of the ordinary.  Except that this year mine was alive, his was dead. They were gone forever! How has it happened? They are perennial plants, after all.
 
It is amazing how we find an analogy in the simplest things of nature. Yesterday as I was washing my car yesterday and regretting it because the sun was intense, the empty garden pot reminded me of late bloomers.
 
According to the urban dictionary, late bloomers are people who experience a delayed heyday in their 20’s and or 30’s, when they finally have the factors (social and or job status, money, body, looks, etc.). You must love how the urban dictionary definitions.
 
Well, that rings a bell. Too close to home for me to like it, but I must accept it. I am a late bloomer. It was a summer in 1999 when I made the best career decision and the one that changed my life. It gave me social recognition and financial freedom. I was 36 years old when I started my 21-year career in Real Estate. Late bloomer was an understatement.
 
I had been busy raising my kids and worked in different jobs, but nothing of significance, although I have four years of college under my belt. I had a late start, but I made it count and, that is a win.
 
I was not fluent in English and, my friends were Spanish speaking. I could not find my way around the city. My patience was running low. What made the difference for me? I was determined and had the tools I needed at my disposition. Do not be afraid to use those tools as you venture out to a new interest. Those tools could be a supportive husband, a willing co-worker ready to teach you the ropes. The help of your mom looking after the kids. It can be anything. Remember to let them know how grateful you are.

Late bloomers have the advantage of experience, endurance, and desire to prove we can. I made sure never to fail a test, studying hard. I had something to prove to my peers and myself. Needless is to say that none of my peers are in Real Estate. Do not let little circumstances like language barriers or a limited sense of direction get in your way. People around you want to help you. They may be just a few, that is not important. What is crucial is that you are not alone. Many of us have done it and succeed at it.
 
Another example happened in 2016 when a friend invited me to a gathering. She was teaching acrylic painting. I was beyond myself; never would I have dreamed of learning how to paint. I started following artists on YouTube and made friends with some. They are part of those tools you need to grab ahold of it. They love teaching. You can support them as you learn. Lately, I started writing about my life with a writer friend. So far, I wrote two books. Did I tell you I am now in my late 50’s? Well, there you go. Late bloomers have no time to waste. We make our efforts count. Now I want to share my experiences and started this blog. How about all these accomplishments for a late bloomer?
 
I do not know where you are in life, but I want to encourage you to start. I used to say, “if you don’t start, you will n.” It is not deep, but I applied this principle to my life daily. At the time, it was about picking up debris from the yard or cutting the grass, but now, that phrase proved to be true in all the areas I am exploring. Even in the curiosity of why beautifully blooming plants die and those looking weak survive and thrive.