Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Family



I tried thinking of an appropriate lead for this post, but nothing seemed to fit. I watched my best friend's family fall apart today, and it made me realize how much I take my family for granted. I had never really expected myself to write about this, so I can't seem to find the right words to express what I'm feeling.

My family has been through several ups and downs; some of these scars have never been able to heal. However, my family is my everything: my identity, my support, my pride, my everything. Although we have been through a lot, we have been through a lot together. Despite our lows, I know that we will never fall apart. There have been times when I took my family for granted, without thinking of how much sacrifice they have made for me, how much they have loved and cared for me. Today, however, I realized how much they mean to me.

My father always says that the four of us are like the legs of a table ... if one of us shakes, the entire table will fall apart. Each member in my family plays a special, unique role in my life; without them, I would not be who I am today.

My mother has always been my support, my faith. She has taught me to fight on, despite hardships, failures, and falls. And when I can't fight any longer, I can count on her to hold me up, because I know that she will be there to support me no matter what the issue is. She is not only my strength, but my guide through every part of my life. Without her, I am nothing.

Similarly, my father serves as my role model, and my determination to succeed. I've wanted to be just like him, for as long as I remember, and I still strive to follow his footsteps. He's my inspiration, and I can't even put into words how much I admire him for everything he has done for me. He works hard, every single day, to give me the best upbringing and raise me in the best way possible. He has provided me with all my wants and needs, without even letting me realize all the sacrifices he has made for me. I know that, no matter what, he will always love me unconditionally.

My sister is the closest friend I have; she is my companion through the high's and low's. Like friends, we
fight, but like friends, she understands me more than anyone else.

I wrote this post because I realized, today, how fortunate I am to have my family. As days go by, we never stop to think or be grateful for everything our family has done for us. I spend so much time trying to grow up and become successful, without ever thanking those who have put their blood and sweat into making me a better person. Although we have misunderstandings between us, I know that my family is my greatest well-wisher and protector. My parents have struggled a lot and made many sacrifices to give me the life that I enjoy every single day. And so, now, I want to make a promise to myself that, no matter what happens, I will not let my family down. I want to grow up to be a good daughter; I want to do as much for my family, as they have done for me. I want to be a reflection of the good values and morals my family has taught me. Most of all, I want my family to be proud of me. My family is my greatest gift, and I will never let them down. 

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

"La lengua de mariposas" por José Luis Cuerda

Another Spanish film I recently watched, about an eight-year-old boy named Moncho and his coming-of-age experience. The story takes place in Galicia, Spain, and is centered around the Spanish Civil War. The Spanish Civil War is an event in history that I find particularly interesting, and this is one of the best films I've watched about it... Enjoy!

*Note: This version is in Spanish and does not have subtitles. For an English version of the movie, look up "Butterfly's Tongue".