These two ladies share more than a first name; they revel in the fact that they are best friends—in that intimate way that only a mother and daughter know. Like true best friends, they can spend hours conversing with each other. Graciela, the mother, sees herself truly reflected in her daughter, who learned from mom to be grateful, loving, and unconditionally devoted to family. SIMILARITIES
We are so alike in so many ways. I enjoy her company immensely; she always looks after me. When she lived out of town, I was able to go visit her and had the opportunity to know so many beautiful places. GRACIELA R.: My mom was expecting her third child when she was the age I am now and I happen to be pregnant with my first. GRACIELA V.: I am always very calm. GRACIELA R.: I consider myself a calm person most of the time, but I can be somewhat impatient occasionally. GRACIELA V.:
GOOD TIMES GRACIELA V.: My photo reminds me of all the good times we had. My children have been my blessings from life. They really enjoyed their childhood—playing outdoors with the neighborhood kids, riding their bikes, etc.; that would be impossible nowadays. Also, when they were younger, we would visit their grandparents every weekend.
GRACIELA VILLARREAL VELA 23 / 1985 Lake Casablanca in Laredo, Texas
WE ARE SO ALIKE IN SO MANY WAYS. I ENJOY HER COMPANY IMMENSELY; SHE ALWAYS LOOKS AFTER ME. WHEN SHE LIVED OUT OF TOWN, I WAS ABLE TO GO VISIT HER AND HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW SO MANY BEAUTIFUL PLACES. Graciela Villarreal Vela
Graciela
GRACIELA R.: I
& Graciela
HOBBIES
VILLARREAL VELA
enjoy spending time with my husband, my parents, cousins, brothers, etc. The same goes for the weekends; we like to be with family and friends.
GRACIELA V.:
My own mother loved to do arts and crafts. I liked to watch her paint and knit. I did not give myself any time for hobbies when I was younger. My main “pastime” was looking after my family. I took pleasure in being at home and caring for them, helping with homework, taking them to their different lessons. I miss that period of my life; the house used to be so alive with school friends, and soccer practice, and school projects. It was a lot of work, but so satisfying. Nowadays, I like to play cards with my dear friends and travel with my daughter. GRACIELA R.: My hobbies are yoga, walking, and, for now, I enjoy reading books on pregnancy and shopping for my baby on the internet.
RAMÍREZ DE FERNÁNDEZ
THE FUTURE GRACIELA V.: I feel like I am reaping the rewards of my labors. I hope I can continue savoring life with my new grandchild. GRACIELA R.: Even though life is not as peaceful as it used to be, I am grateful for the fact that women of my generation can now grow professionally and personally. I think that my priorities will always focus on improving as a human being, which means focusing on being an excellent wife, mother, sister, and friend. I want to be the best in everything I attempt to do.
GRACIELA RAMÍREZ DE FERNÁNDEZ 29 / 2011
cream aug / sept 2011
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