Luna

I was born in Mexico, one of 13 children. We were very poor, we had no food, nothing. We lived with our grandparents who had money, but they did not give us anything. My parents struggled to keep us alive and raise us. 

Growing up in poverty shaped who I am. It taught me to appreciate everything and made me determined to give the best for my children because I do not want them to suffer. In university I didn’t have food or a place to stay, but I kept going because I am very ambitious and want a better future for them. I gave them everything I could by paying for English classes, swimming lessons, and music lessons. 

Now, things are complicated. My daughter, who is 38 years old, is angry with me. She lives in my house, but chooses the colours and decorations. She expects me to wash her clothes, cook, and clean. I have so many problems: my eyes, my spine cord, I have scoliosis, osteoporosis, and my shoulder hurts. I was alone for 20 years after getting divorced and raised my four children by myself while working two or three jobs. My life has not been easy, but I keep on giving. I raised my daughter’s son because she did not want to care for him and now I give money to him too so he can focus on studying in university in California instead of working. 

I started going to the community centre and today, I played Scrabble. One of my friends was shy at first, but I kept on saying good morning and he finally opened up. My time at the community centre is my escape from everything. 

I used to blame my mother for not doing more for her 13 kids, but I see it differently now. She didn’t have much, but she kept me alive.