DJ can you turn down the cumbias please? ¡Hola bienvenidas a mi quinceañera! ¿Me podrían dar su atención por un momento?
Before I begin I’d like to thank everyone for coming. It means the world to me. As you know you are all here to celebrate me and my coming of age and because of this I would like to point out how you are not only celebrating me but my Tia as well. My point is, without my Tia I can’t imagine what celebrating today would look like, especially not without being able to acknowledge her efforts.This isn’t easy because there is so much to be grateful for. It really makes me wonder how one puts a life’s worth of gratitude into one speech.
If you were to ask me about my Tia, I’d say that I love her very much but that doesn’t even begin to explain how much she means to me. It’s not everyday someone literally comes knocking at the door with an opportunity. For my Tia, it was her baby niece in need of a home and serious care. I can’t imagine how difficult it was to be put in that situation and also can’t imagine how she was courageous enough to take me in not knowing what challenges would come with.
Back then, it was doctor visits, diaper changes, and tantrums. And now that its programs, grades, and, at times, attitude that she took. She still takes both the good and bad days and guides me through each one. Every day she wakes up and takes me from one place to another so I can do things I didn’t know I was capable of.
On many occasions I’ve been asked what it is like living with my Tia, especially after moving back in. Perhaps I say it’s nice and they treat me well but that’s just because it’s hard to word how special it is. Living with my Tia has been an adventure. I’d be lying if I said we don’t butt heads every now and then, but in the end she only wants the best for me. And Tia, I apologize if you ever feel that I’m not happy with where I am or if you feel that I don’t notice all your efforts. Because all your efforts are what makes me feel so fortunate to be guided and raised by you. I cherish every moment we share: the ones filled with laughter, the serious ones, and the important ones.
Without my Tia I would be lost because she is the most remarkable woman I know. I work hard and will proceed to put effort in all I do; so she can see what her parenting and love can make happen. When I’m lost or confused, I know I can count on my Tia to guide me, and I hope this speech shows exactly how much I thank God for her. My Tia truly is my inspiration and I am happy that all of you are here to celebrate not only me, but her as well. Gracias por su atención. Y muchas gracias Tia te aprecio.
Chelsea Peña Suastegui – Fenwick High School – DMSF Class of 2030
Photo Credit: miltonhuallpual96 – Pixabay