Esme' Rodriguez here.  I'm the one who was hit by a hit-and-run driver when I was a child, leaving me paralyzed from the waist on down for the rest of my life.  I have learned to make the best out of my situation, but sometimes, the "gloomies" threaten to take hold and squeeze the very life out of me.  Those are the days where I question about what has happened to me and why, but, thankfully, those days are few and far between.

I have learned to trust in God during these moments and raise my family.  I have a wonderful husband, Luis, and our three boys, Luis, Jr. (we call him "Guapo" 'cause he is; "Guapo" is "cute" or "handsome" in Spanish), Hector, and Ramon, who are seven, five, and four.  I drive, have a wonderful job, am busy with my church, and try to go on.  I have God with me; He is my all in all, my everything, my hope.  I don't know what I would do without Him.  He has certainly gotten me through some of the worst moments in my life, such as my accident and coming to terms with my paralysis, as well as the loss of my father, Miguel, two years ago.

Right now, we are trying to get ready for Thanksgiving.  We are going to Mami's house to help her out; we are also going to go to the annual Thanksgiving Day parade and then our community Thanksgiving meal, to help with the city's homeless and poor and give them a free, hot, nutritious meal of turkey, stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed beans, peas, cranberry sauce, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and so much more.  It is always  a fun time, fellowshipping and getting to meet people we would otherwise not get to meet.

Then the next day, we are going shopping; I already know what to get Guapo, Hector and Ramon for Christmas (Luis, too).  They love games and I am going to get them the new game that is hot on the market; it may be hard to find, but what people don't know is this: I may be disabled and in a chair, but I am one of the stubbornest mamacitas found anywhere!  I don't give up very easily.  LOL

While I shop, my husband and the boys will be seeing some movies; that way, they won't see what I am getting them; I want them to be surprised come Christmas morning.  It is me time; it may be crazy, what with everybody and their mama out in full force, but I am determined to give my family a very happy Christmas!

Well, I hate to run, but I gotta go and pick up the kids from school and then get supper on the table.  Tonight it's chili and mashed potatoes, a family favorite.  It's cold, so this is a perfect warm-me-up meal that is filling and one that the whole family will love.  I will write in here again soon; until then, this is Esme' Rodriguez saying adios!  Hasta luego!

~Esme'. :)

To be continued!