On January 7, 2020, Puerto Rico was shaken by a strong earthquake, a new experience for many. I was on the island on vacation and I lived that experience of fear and uncertainty. Although I was with my daughter who is a woman in her forties, the fear for her safety affected me more than anything. I had to wear my coat of wonder woman and demonstrate a calm and security that I did not feel.
I imagined mothers with young children in the most affected areas looking for strength to protect their children and not show fear in front of them. When the home has been lost and the children do not have the basic necessities covered and you have to seek refuge, life is complicated, and the home is disrupted. The trauma experienced changes the perspective of life.
We realize how fragile we are to the onslaught of Mother Nature. But as an integral part of this planet, we draw a supernatural force that helps us and encourages us to move forward. We fight with nails and teeth to protect the family. We face the government and accept the help of those who always reach out to do what the government does not do. We grow and show that we are brave and struggling women who do not fall and protect the family. Even if we are broken, we move ahead for our children. We give encouragement, joy, and confidence in the future. We grow with them and show them that they are not alone.
When the waters return to their level, we seek professional help so that our children overcome the post-traumatic effect after these events. We seek help for ourselves and fill our pit that is surely empty after giving so much encouragement and peace to the most vulnerable people. We are women made as the Ausubo in one piece. Although the earth shakes and shakes our hearts continue to fight for ours. God bless the mothers of my island.
By Maria Garcia
