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>> "You can't tag me," my cousin Andrew always teased me.
"Yes, I can; I'm faster than you,"
and off I went chasing him past the stone house.
When I look back, those were the best days playing
with my cousins and friends.
I realized that playing outside was safe.
They were small worries.
I was confident about my skills and abilities.
To be sporty, to have lots of friends and feel the freedom.
I watch my own children and I'm so thankful
that their experiences are not as tough and rough as mine.
My family life was rich with many cultural values
and lived experiences my mother brought with her from El Salvador;
some good and others bad.
As a kid in my family, there were true differences of how boys
and girls were to be treated and cared for.
Although I was not disciplined in the same way as my brother
with harsh, verbal, emotional and corporal abuse,
behind doors I held other secrets that were not spoken.
Carrying a heavy weight over my heart it made me feel confused,
trusting my caregivers who are responsible
to love me and also hurt me?
I felt powerless, frozen.
All I wanted to do was scream.
Culture gender roles can play a big part
in determining how one spirit full of love
and potential can be broken.
It's not fair.
Regardless of the challenges I have experienced,
I was able to persevere and transform the gargos [phonetic]
to regalos [phonetic] rebuilding my spirit and changing the past
to an opportunity of forgiveness bringing understanding to my heart.
Mi homeha [phonetic].
Remember to be thoughtful and true to yourselves.
When you hit a bump on the road, take it as an opportunity to learn
and utilize your best skills and abilities
with a sense of confidence.
I will always support you, protect and help you be your best.
Take it in stride, be strong and assertive, keep your spirit
and wellness in the forefront.
You will be resilient.
Believe in yourself as you love yourselves.
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