Hello, my name is Jaziel Muñoz, and today I have the honor of giving a special tribute to the woman who shaped my world in the most profound way. To me, she’s more than just a mom, she’s my light, my inspiration, and the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. My mom taught me not only how to navigate life independently but also how to appreciate the precious gift of being alive. Words can never truly capture how much she means to me, but today, I will honor her with this tribute.
My mother’s name is Maria, lovingly known as Guicha. She was born and raised in Mexico City, the second of six siblings, and from a young age, she was someone full of light and love. Her childhood was filled with joy and unforgettable memories that she still cherishes to this day. She would often tell me stories of those days how she and her siblings would go on little adventures with my abuelo (grandfather), whether it was going to the movies, visiting el mar (the ocean), or simply going out to eat. There was always something to do, and never a boring moment. She speaks of those times with a sparkle in her eyes, always reminding me how lucky she felt to be alive in that moment. She looked up to her parents, my abuelo and abuela, with deep love and admiration. They were people of respect, empathy, and honesty always choosing to focus on the positive side of life, no matter what challenges came their way.
As life moved forward, my mom went through a lot of challenges. At just 17, she made the difficult decision to drop out of high school so she could work and help provide for her family since my abuelo lost his job. As the second oldest, she stepped up without hesitation. In time, she found a stable job and later gave birth to her first child, Yael, my older brother, but life had more tests for her. When Yael was just two years old, my mom made the brave decision to flee the country and join my father in Chicago. That journey was filled with tears and grief, but she never let that get in the way of accomplishing things. No matter the struggle, she kept moving forward with strength, with grace, and with unshakable love because she knew it was for her children and their future.
After a tiring and exhausting trip to Chicago my mom was mostly alone, it was just her and my older brother at the time, although she was still with my dad. A few years later she had Gael, my middle brother who is 5 years older than me. Then I came along. Those years were some of the most draining and frustrating times for my mom, times I never want her to go through again. After she realized my dad wasn’t supporting her she divorced, she was left to care for three kids all on her own. She worked job after job, doing everything she could to support us coming home everyday feeding us and putting us to bed with a smile on her face. Just imagine a solo immigrant mother in a new country, raising a family and trying to stay strong through it all. My oldest brother helped her a lot, and that support kept her going. Yes it was a tough chapter in our lives but at the end of the day, we were happy because we had each other, and that’s what truly matters in life.
My mom’s sacrifices and bravery changed me as a person. The stories she told me while I was growing up felt like something out of a movie but it was real life. They weren’t stories meant to entertain, they were her life experiences. Listening to what she experienced made me realize that not everyone gets to have an easy life, and that it could be unfair sometimes. Sometimes I still don’t fully understand how she managed to hold everything together. She worked job after job to keep our family in shape, and at the same time she made sure we never felt like we were alone. Even on days where she was exhausted she was always there for us making food, showering us, and just showing her love for us. What amazes me the most is that she never complained or blamed anyone, watching her do it all alone taught me what real responsibility looks like. It taught me that love isn’t something you say, it’s something you prove through actions and decisions.
Querida Mamá, what makes you so incredibly special to me is your bravery, your sacrifices, your strength, and the boundless love you give. Even though it’s hard for me to say these things out loud without getting emotional, I want you to know here, through these words, how much I appreciate you. You are my favorite person not just because you’re my mom, but because you always stood out in a way that’s impossible to forget. You’ve supported me in every dream, every challenge, and every step of the way. I’ve seen you work tirelessly juggling jobs, making sure we have eaten, dressing us with care, and still somehow finding the time to take us to the park and making us laugh. You did it all on your own, and you never once made us feel like we were missing anything. I want you to know I’ve always noticed your strength. I’ve admired your heart, and I’ve always carried that with me even when I couldn’t put it into words. No words will ever be enough to express the depth of my love and gratitude for everything you’ve done, for every sleepless night, every tear you wiped away, every silent pain you endured just to give us a better life and a brighter future. You are my hero, my guide, and my greatest inspiration. Gracias por todo.
con todo mi corazón,
Jaziel Leija Munoz
Jaziel Munoz – Northfield Mount Hermon School – DMSF Class of 2029
Photo Credit: Maria Luisa Leija