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CG ShopReal Latina Cover Girl. Julissa Lopez ChicaGirl Magazine |
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| Written by CG Girl |
| Friday, 09 October 2009 21:29 |
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Julissa Lopez CoverGirl I come from a long line of strong, independent women. My mom is the third youngest of eight sisters and one boy. Hearing stories of how my grandmother held down the fort, caring for nine children, being a wife, and doing household duties, is eye opening. My aunts and mother often get together just to reminisce about wearing each other’s hand-me-downs, squeezing into the family suburban to go to a movie, and family gatherings. My mother has always put her family before herself. When we first moved here from Chicago, my mother and I lived with my grandfather, uncle, and aunt, in a five-bedroom home. The first five months we were without my father. He stayed in Chicago to finish paying off some bills; and gave his old job time to find someone to replace him. During this time my mom and aunt did their best to make what little money we had, for groceries and necessities, last. They put aside snacks and food for my school lunch so my uncle and grandpa wouldn’t eat them. My mom would walk me to school every day with my sister in tow. We lived off of Hillcrest, which meant that our morning walk consisted of going up and down an enormous hill and then back again after school. There were times that I would get charley horses in my calves late at night and my mom would have to carry me to bed and massage them until the pain went away. She would also help out at the school whenever she could to get to know the teachers and staff. To make extra money, my mother made little crafts and sold them at the school during special events, such as holidays and Fiesta. She never complained or made me feel like I needed to worry. Despite hardships, I knew everything would be fine and I was happy. I’m proud of where I come from. And I know, through thick and thin, my family will be there to give their support and guidance. |
