Alicia's mom

(image by ccarlstead via flickr)
Wednesday, September 15, 1999.

Six-year-old Alicia Sosa is staring intently at her mother, Lucrecia. For the last week, Alicia's mom has been the volunteer parent in Ms. Choi's first grade clasroom. Today her mom and Ms. Choi are talking seriously about something that Alicia can't quite understand, though she does make out the word "fantastic" which is one of her favorites.

During the drive home, Alicia asks her mom, "Mami, how come you sound different than the other moms when you talk?" Looking back at Alicia through the rearview mirror, Lucrecia smiles and explains: "Because your father and I are from Colombia and we jus' learn to speak English now." Sensing Alicia doesn't quite understand, her mom expands: "Is because I have an accent." Alicia eyes widen and she softly answers "OK."

Months pass and Alicia's mom returns to Shaw Elementary for a parent-teacher conference. After praising Alicia for being polite and inquisitive, Ms. Choi pauses for a moment, looks gently at Lucrecia and says: "You know, I think you're a real inspiration to all the other moms."

Lucrecia looks confused, prompting Ms. Choi to explain: "You know... because of your accident."