Grandmother

My grandma (mom’s mother) is a very loving person and she loves me a lot. She took care of me when I was growing up and babysit me many times while mom was at work. I remember her cooking and taking me for walks in the park, always doing her best to keep me comfortable. She’s 82 years old now and still looks healthy. She’s got some problems with her memory and sometimes asks the same things a lot, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I understand her and care for her, giving back all the love I’ve received through the years. I’m also proud of her job as a matriarch; she raised almost by herself five children. I cherish the good times that I’ve had with her and look forward to keep sharing them.

Summary from “When I was Puerto Rican”

This is an autobiographical novel by author Esmeralda Santiago. The story tells her trajectory from the country in Puerto Rico to the urbanization in New York. The first chapters give you the elements to understand the family she lives in, the dysfunction around it and poverty. Like “The Oxcart” by René Marqués, Santiago’s novel presents you the process of the Puerto Rican coming out of the country looking for ways to a better life.