This is My Mexico - A Letter to My Parents

I have been traveling to Mexico since the day I was born. So many times throughout the years that it has become a home to me. Mexico means, family, laughs, memories, and history. Although I will admit I haven’t seen everything that Mexico has to offer - because the primary reason to go is my family. It was the opportunity to gather around those I don’t get to see everyday or even just for a weekend.

I never thought of Mexico as anything less than amazing and heartwarming.

Which is why the news of how Mexico is at its’ current state makes my heart sink. The country is so much than that is portrayed in the news. It’s filled with people who are caring, smart, hard-working, and dedicated to make sure that their families are safe and well taken care of.

I am proud to be a Mexican.

I am proud to call Mexico my home.

I am proud of what Mexico has to offer.

During the winters, when you take cold showers not because of a challenge, or because you are trying something different to your routine, but because there was no other choice, I would always go back.

Even when the wind is blowing dust all over your face, I would always go back.

These things were just normal to me. It was part of Mexico.

I was fortunate enough to have lived there and gone to school for a time.

It was a very different kind of lifestyle. Something that I would cherish and remember for years to come.

I was proud of the work I had done while in school.

I built a mini concept model

We got tacos as a reward in our math class

I learned how to make caramel, and other milk based treats from scratch

I improved my Spanish in both speaking and writing

The group projects

Getting ‘forced’ to join the track team - although i didn’t get to go to my first match because we had moved back to the states right before the meet

All of these things have stayed with me forever, and I came back to this school system with a different mind set.

So many things we take for granted here, are so valuable in Mexico.

But enough of that - this is really about how appreciative I am that I have been able to travel to and from Mexico all of these years.

I can’t thank my parents enough that they shared their stories, history, to show me their roots since infancy.

I have been able to visit remote towns where my dad spent some of his youth in,

I have been able to meet the friends of my moms past,

I have been able to relive some of their memories.

Thank you dad and mom for everything. But especially for always making sure to appreciate life, to appreciate the opportunities I have, to be a dedicated hard working individual. To always making sure that I know where I came from and to cherish my roots. Never to be ashamed. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I love you.