Maria was a women who was born to a mother who was Mexican Indian. Her mother labored in a home as maid in the deep part of Mexico. Maria's father was the man that her mother worked in the home. Maria married at a young age at 14 years old to my grandfather and they started life together. Maria and my grandfather had 5 children and decided to come to the states for a better life for their future family.
Maria was an intelligent woman who had raised 14 children and in the states. Maria worked and raised a family all her life. In the 70's, Maria's children were growing up and getting married one by one. My mom, Emily was her daughter. Maria came to the Christian faith during the Jesus movement during the 70's. Maria did not read or write. Maria could barely write her own name. My grandfather would read the Bible in Spanish to her. I remembered as a child, Maria would point at verse and my grandfather would read to her in Psalms or any other portion from the Bible. Maria was a prayer warrior for her family. On September 26th 1980, my mother was in the hospital with a baby in her womb and had severe complications. My mom had me in her womb for 2 days. Maria took a stand to pray for my mom & I. Maria called everyone she knew from the pastor, church members, her family to pray for the birth of me & the life of my mom. On September 28th, 1980 on Sunday night around 7pm. I was born. I will always thank my grandmother, Maria for praying for my mother and me.
Maria would sacrifice to wake up 5 or 6 o clock in the morning to cook for her family. Maria was a chef in the kitchen. She would cook a grand meal for her family less than 30 minutes. Maria was artist. Maria would craft and make many things in her older age. She kept herself busy by making dresses, milk carton bunny rabbits, blankets, dolls, clothes, and table clothes. Interesting part, Maria did not read or write. I don't know how she managed to make all these things without reading or writing. Maria was a traveler. Maria's children lived all over the country from Washington, California, Texas, and Virginia. Maria would get on the plane and not have fear to fly in the air. Remember Maria did read or write or even speak English. Maria manage and was successful to visit each of her family member. Maria was a servant. When Maria came to your house she would cook and clean without asking you. My dad told me once that she iron every work shirt in his closet. My dad was thankful for Maria to Iron his shirt without asking. Maria had a big heart for those who she loved. Maria became a American citizen in her later years of her life. Maria did not know English very well but she knew one sentence that she would say when she went to the stores, “ Jesus loves you.” Store clerks would shed a tear when she said those words to them. I remembered one summer sitting down with Maria and reading a 1st grade book with her. I remembered hearing the words, “ See cat run.” It was a moment that I will never forget of my grandmother reading in English. Maria wanted to learn how to read. Mom told me that my grandmother had dyslexia but still wanted to read. Maria was a listener and counselor. If you had a problem you would talk to Maria about anything in your life. Maria was so much more but than just a grandmother but a woman that did not have the education or even read or write but had a dream. Maria's words last words to me before she passed away was to finish college before I married. My inspiration was my grandmother Maria who is still in my heart even today. Maria is story like other women in our society who cannot read or wrote but willing to raise their children. I want to mentor, encourage and teach other women not to be what society wants them to be like or what they can accomplish in their lives. Education is not about money or the high paying job but it is to be challenge in our lives and to teach others.
Isleen Rodriguez
