May is here! Can you believe it? This year has been full of so many blessings. I’m sure this is why it seems to be flying by. It is in these fleeting moments that you must remember to stop and celebrate what is important. This month, I celebrate all the women in my life. My mother, sister, mother-in-law, and others who truly are such wonderful, smart, and courageous women.

Most importantly, I’m honored this Mother’s Day to once again celebrate my mother, my best friend, and my role model, Marytza Sanz. I’m sure you’ve seen us around. We’re inseparable after all.  There is no better mentor to have in this life. Throughout the years, I’ve seen firsthand the generosity and caring spirit of my mother. Whether taking in a family of five during Hurricane Andrew or personally counseling families at Latino Leadership, my mom never stops giving.  There isn’t enough space in this editorial to do justice to her amazing outlook on life.

Mami often does not receive accolades in the form of plaques and trophies. Instead, she receives great reward in the stories of triumph from the countless people she’s been able to inspire and make a difference for. When I think of the impact I want to make on this earth, all I need to do is look how my mother has lived her life. If I can be half the woman she is, I too will make a tremendous difference in the life of others.

On this Mother’s Day I say… Felicidades Mami. Gracias por siempre estar ahí para mí y la comunidad. ¡Te Amo! To my beautiful daughter, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your mom. I love you more than life and I hope to make you as proud of me as I am of your abuela.

My best,

Marucci

We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty.  – Mother Teresa