(Editor’s note: Hazel Grace Ferguson entered this world on January 23rd, born to Japhy & Toni Ferguson in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is named after her great grandmother. She is the author’s first & most beloved grandchild.)
This is my second letter to you, dear granddaughter (mi nieta). The first was written in October of last year & delivered to your parents at the family baby shower in your honor. I trust they will read it to you when you are of an age to understand. In it I explained that I would be in Mexico when you were born & that was indeed the case. I’ve struggled to decide what to write & have, in fact, rewritten this 3 times now. In my heart I know that all I want to do is talk to-& about-you!
Monday I took a Spanish class taught by Alfredo Perez, a wonderful teacher who taught us the importance of using facial expression & body language when we speak. Muy importante. Plus tips on what NOT to do or say lest you be considered quite rude. One thing he stressed was the importance of Mothers (madres) in Mexican culture. They are revered, as I hope your mother will be.
I remember years ago being so intrigued by a Dutch friend who lived in our town (Boone) & spoke to her toddler in English AND Dutch. As I moved through my nursing career opportunities to work with patients & employees from Mexico increased. I asked my boss once if we needed to learn Spanish & she replied that we’d probably never have another Mexican home health patient. Boy was she wrong! Living here, with so many gringos (“Greens-go-home” referred to the green uniforms of soldiers who came to hang out in Mexico after the war, according to legend.), it would be easy to just speak English. But in the end you would miss out on so many opportunities & interactions. I have already purchased books for you in English & Spanish. I hope that I can teach you, but I also hope your parents will see the importance of exposing you to a second language.
Tuesday, well Tuesday was all about you! Your mom was admitted to the hospital on Monday night. I didn’t sleep much & I must have checked my phone a million times. (I truly believe that having the internet & FaceTime makes living here much easier.) At 10:16AM I received a message from your dad that you had just arrived. I don’t think I realized how delighted I would be. Or how delighted your dad would be. Know that he is smitten!
The rest of the week is a blur. Errands, fun with friends, naps, cleaning…but always you in the back of my mind. Always my phone within reach to see the latest pictures of you. Therefore, I have decided to dedicate this blog to you & to the women & children of Mexico I’ve come to love. So here is a gallery of pictures. Some I’ve taken, some I’ve borrowed. Mothers & daughters are powerful figures in Mexico. Let’s talk about it someday. Enjoy!
So, dear Hazie. There you have it. A sample of the mothers & children from my part of Mexico. Here’s to happy travels, acquaintances & friendships in your life as well. Buenos noches mi nieta pequena. Mucho amor! Abuela
(Click on any picture to start the slide show. Let me know if you have questions!)
Nice how a grandchild turns your thoughts to all the other mothers, abuelas. and grandbabies. So glad you are happy.
Learning so much about who I am!
Your take on the world and way of communicating is so refreshing. Thank you! Welcome, Hazie.
Thank you Dear Norma!
Congratulations and welcome Hazie! So delighted for you all! Have been thinking about you and wondering for a week. Thanks for letting us know she is here.
Oh, my how smitten I am! Can’t wait to get my hands on her. Will send you a picture or 2. My son looks like a whole different person.
Miss you!
Great pictures and great thoughts, Chris. I envy you Hazie. I am lucky to have 2 amazing “acquired” grandkids thru my kind partner but they were 4 and 9 when I came into their world.
I’m so pleased to read that your journey is increasingly comfortable. I can’t wait to make our own!
This has all been a learning curve so far. This morning I woke up realizing how much we have learned. Still more to go just to get set up.