Mothers Past influence Mothers Present

I didn't know it then but all along, you were teaching me how to be a mother. You taught me by how you selflessly take care of others. You did it so well: never complained but you always prayed. 

My mother holding me and dad holding my sister.

Now I know how you found strength from day to day. I didn't know it then but all along you were doing the best you could. 

My mother in recent years. She always brings me Brazilian coffee.

From the little you were given, you made incredibly the most. Out of poverty, you walked into prosperity. Out of frustration and disappointment, you found a way to look into the future through my very eyes. You knew that you could not control what happens to you but you managed how you reacted to it. You chose to have faith and believe in a God who never leaves, never forsakes.

My late Paternal Grandmother Maria da Glória

I didn't know it then but now I know that you taught me to dream big. Dreams do not discriminate so dreaming you did. You taught me that my current location does not determine my future destination. You taught me to choose joy despite of sorrow because there is hope for tomorrow.

My late Maternal Grandmother Lady

I don't know what I am teaching the 3 pairs of eyes that watch my every move. I do hope they see that the way I got where I am is through your faithfulness to God and your courage to live each day as a Christian Mother.

My kids and I at the beach last week.