Maria Luisa Miranda Rivera

Maria Luisa Miranda Rivera was born on May 14, 1928 in the mountains of Morovis, Puerto Rico. She was the sixth child of seven children (Miguel, Isabel, Lorenzo, Ernesto, Ernestina, Maria, and Ramon) of Ramona Rivera and Jose Miranda. Times were rough for families in Puerto Rico; tending the land to be able to feed and care for a large family. Things were about to get tougher as at the age of three, her father died , leaving her mother to take care of herself and seven children. The family moved to the capital, San Juan to be able to get a job and survive. Circumstances made my mom a strong woman; a trait that was to be passed on to future generations. As far as the story goes my parents met for the first time as teenagers, but their families were against their relationship, so each one went their separate ways. My dad joined the military during the Korean War (Korean war June 25th 1950-july 27th 1953) and mom stayed in Puerto Rico working and living with her mom. They met again, although I don't believe in coincides since "coincidences are when the Lord wants to remain anonymous", as mom with her long wavy hair, was sitting on a park bench in a plaza in San Juan, playing with my brother Mario. When my father walked by, dressed in his U.S postal service uniform, he spotted her from behind and said "si me amarras con ese pelo, seria el hombre mas feliz del mundo" (if you tie me with the locks of your hair, I'll be the happiest man in the world). As she turned around they recognized each other and the love story continued. Both had children from previous marriages. Mom had Mario which died in a job related accident when he was in his twenties and dad had Juan Jr., Delma, and Daniel. My parents were married for 14 years. This union conceived three daughters, Maria Judith, Ann Jeanette, that died when she was thirty three, and Clara Edith. They lived a happy life with their ups and downs; with their share of jealousy and ego wars, but they raised us to the best of their knowledge. They loved each other to the moon and back; and even though they got divorced they stayed living together until my dad decided to transfer to the U.S postal service in New York. Mom was very close to her older sister, Isabel. We grew up with those cousins. My mom was their favorite aunt. She liked to laugh, enjoyed the music of La Lupe, Tito Rodriguez, and trio Los Panchos . She liked to dance, loved life, and did all for her children. Carmin, one of her nieces, remembers how she was taught to watch novelas (soap operas) while taking the imaginary “piojitos” (lice) out of mom’s hair until mom fell asleep. I remember that one time, when we were living in Brooklyn, New York; we asked mom if we could have some chocolate milk. There were no ingredients at the house to prepare the drink; we were so poor. Mom went out and asked her employer for some advance money to buy milk and chocolate. She came home and gave us the chocolate milk we craved. I have to thank my mom for every minute we shared and for the “chancleta” when needed. For her taking care of my children Michelle Marie and Germaine Marie, so I could finish my master degree. She has also survived to see her other grandchildren Ricardo Valencia, Ivis Jeniza, Wilson, Angel, Ivelisse, Jose, Vivian, Jussette; and great grandchildren: Luis, Isabella Sophia, Noelia, Isabelle, Sophia and Eva. There are some more greatgrandchildren that we have lost contact with but they exist because mom did. On March 17, 2017 my mom spoke with God. She was the last one of that tribe, and decided that it was better for her to leave this temporary home and continue her journey to her eternal home with Him. You see, her body was broken and it was making it difficult for her to soar to the edge of the universe. He took her broken body and freed her spirit, and now she is with Him. Her father, her Savior. Resting with the promise that there will be no more pain or tears. My courageous heroine, my warrior, and confidant, my friend. I miss you so much my heart is broken, to whom I will turn to chat, and seek counsel, and kisses, and the prayers "mami sigue orando". I guess it was time, until I see you again.

Maria Luisa Miranda Rivera

May 14, 1928 - March 17, 2017