In response to the request for submission of “Tributes to Matriarchs, Healers, and Heroes,” Gaby has submitted this lovely tribute to her mother and grandmother.  A talented graphic designer, she works with Zyan, her friend since high school days. Together they have created all of the memes found on the Facebook page for ABeautifulVoice.org.

 

María del Refugio Gaytán died at the age of 80 in August 2020 from COVID-19. A beloved mother of ten children, she was a great hardworking woman and loving person.

María had her first daughter, Mina González, my mother, in 1960. That is why today I want to share with you the story of these two women, my grandmother and my mother.

My grandmother was a “rancho woman.” It means that she grew up in the country side. She moved to the city with no money and worked hard as a housekeeper to pay for my mother’s school.  My mother was not always a great student, and she struggled all the way to college. 

My grandmother had a lot of bad moments, but she had her faith in good, so she got up every morning to work and raise her kids.

My mother today is a Doctor of Psychology, a respected woman, and owner of her own school for psychologists called “CEPSIMAC.” She is dedicated to helping people.

Today I am grateful for being the daughter and granddaughter of these two women: María del Refugio and Mina González to whom I owe my life. I always honor them with pride.

 

Author:  Gabriella Nataxa García González