The Thanksgiving Day holiday week is a busy time around my household with our wedding anniversary, the twins’ birthday and of course celebrating Thanksgiving Day. We have a lot to be thankful for this year among them are our faith, family, business opportunities, moving into our newly built home and my parents’ health (especially my mother’s health).
I have two very dynamic parents who during the course of their lives have broken many statistical stereotypes, personally and professionally. My parents are two people who have never relied on others and have been guided by an incredible work ethic and faith. However, my mother is the glue that holds everyone together and is the mighty engine behind many. She is very much the heart and soul of our immediate and extended family. My mother, though younger than my father, has been plagued with illnesses late in her life, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure which led to her being on dialysis.
She is an engaging, devout, intelligent, attractive and witty woman who possess a magnetism that leaves everyone liking her. An accomplished woman, she was one of the first Latina senior advisors for the New York Dept. of Labor’s EEO Dept. A woman who learned to how balance work and home, decided to totally change careers to the educational field soon after having her last & fourth child (me) later in age. (Given her successful high-profile job, her decision to leave her position was virtually unheard of during the women career-driven 1980s).
Though she has been a respected counselor to family and strangers alike for so many years, she is a private person for her own personal affairs. She is used to helping others and never asking help for herself. She has always been able to do whatever she set her mind to and nothing has been out of reach for her. Yet to see such a pillar of strength struggle medically over the last few years has been very hard for her and those around her. My Mother’s everlasting faith in the Lord has sustained her more than words can express in her life and especially during these last difficult years. My mother was hospitalized twice (and almost died) due to severe complications from her dialysis and heart issues which caused her to be in medical facilities for a 2 month period. Thankfully and blessedly, she has recovered and continues to be at her own home.
Despite her medical ailments, she continues to be guiding light and strong foundation for all. When she is able to, she accompanies me as a guest at media events and is a source of help. She loves being a grandmother and greatly enjoys taking care (and being an excellent teacher) to her grandchildren. In every sense of the word, my mother is truly a woman of steel!
Samsung Home is taking time to celebrate Women of Steel—the women in all of our lives who seem to be able to do it all! On Facebook, Samsung Home Appliances is running a contest where you can nominate a woman in your life who inspires you to win the chance at a premium dinner-party experience and a new kitchen suite, courtesy of Samsung: http://bit.ly/WomenOfSteel.
Celebrate Women of Steel by showcasing how you or a woman you know does it all to inspire your readers to foster the best part of this time of year—sharing good times and even better food with friends & family. Women of Steel nominees receive the chance to win a new Samsung Kitchen Suite and honorary dinner party for eight prepared by a local chef. Additional, weekly prizes include a new Sparkling Refrigerator, and daily $50 prizes. See the official rules.
This holiday season remember to be thankful for the women of steel in your life and appreciate them for who they are!
P.S. Since Thanksgiving Day is next week, check out our easy-to-make Pinon (Beef and Plantain Casserole)Recipe (which we enjoy during the holidays).
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Samsung Home
