My relationship with my mother has not always been what it is today. My mother worked very hard at her job as the head nurse for one of New York’s first dialysis clinics, all while trying to raise my brother and I. She would leave at 4:30 in the morning and get home at 8 at night, only to do it again the next day. Our distance could have been attributed to many things – her exhaustion and frustration, my teenage angst, the natural evolution of a mother-daughter relationship.

In late January, she turned 67 and retired from her job that same week. This was one of the toughest weeks of my life. I realized how much time had been wasted on misunderstanding. Life had sped up. I would not have her forever and I had to enjoy all of her now. So I gave up my grudge-holding, and I committed myself to absolute forgiveness. No more bringing up the past. And I wanted to become more involved in her life.

The beginning of her retirement was hard for her.  Just like any life change, you don’t exactly know where to begin. I struggled watching her adjust because she also reacted physically to it, which made me nervous. But everything for a reason. I had just gone through a major milestone that she helped me through, so I considered this my opportunity to give back to her.

I let her enjoy the unknown space that she was in without judgment. It was cool if she slept late. I helped her vacuum her house and cleaned some corners which had been overlooked for a while. I stayed up late with her watching her shows, even though they weren’t exactly my flavor. It was now my chance to cheer her on.

The woman I’ve been able to get to know is such a generous person. Beautiful. Peaceful. Compassionate. Strong. Creative.  And her amazing love has been with me all my life.

We are now on each other’s journeys together.  She is a big part of this blog. She has been cooking without salt or Sazon almost my whole life because of my father’s heart disease. And although I did not always appreciate her health advice, she has a wealth of expertise from her years as a nurse and her own commitment to wellness.

This past Sunday my mother and I took a class at the Institute for Culinary Education. We made yummy dishes like mofongo (mashed fried green plantains), carne guizada (beef stew), and tres leches cake. I took the class in order to inspire this blog and invited her. She was a star in the class. The instructor eventually ended up asking her how to do things. It was great to see her shine. She had found her place.

When we were leaving, she stopped me on the busy, frigid midtown avenue and kissed me. “Thank you for helping me accomplish my dream,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to take a Puerto Rican cooking class.” I was only returning what she had selflessly given to me.  We walked the rest of the way hand in hand.

I would like to acknowledge my mother as my inspiration for my blog and dedicate it to her. She is a true example of LivingLatinaLite.

WEEKLY UPDATE

I’ve lost 3 pounds in total. Not bad for my first week. Very proud of myself. One of the ways I’ve done this is through replacing my milk in my coffee with almond milk. The super-food is a top plant source for protein and vitamin E. The type of fat found in almonds — monounsaturated fat — is the very best kind for your health.

If your lactose intolerant it’s a great alternative. Plus, it may help lower your blood cholesterol, maintaining your heart health. It also benefits those with diabetes, heart disease, celiac disease and obesity.

I froth almond milk for my café con leche, as well as use it in my oatmeal. Again, I don’t use sweetner. It doesn’t need it.

Let me know what you use almond milk for and I’ll share it!

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