The Lion's Pride Lion's Pride Volume 12 (Spring 2019) | Page 57
and that I would be responsible for my siblings. I felt that he left with
peace, knowing that I would do good by their side.
When we arrived at his pueblo, our extended family and my siblings
were informed that he had passed. Everybody around me mourned, but
not me. I had grieved my father’s death before everyone else did. From
there on, I had to be strong for my siblings because I had promised my
father that I would be in charge and responsible for each of them. My
father passed on October 23rd, 1984, and his funeral was the day after.
After the memorial service and burial, my siblings and I were huddled. I
was trying to comfort each of them. My fathers, brothers, and sisters
surrounded us and said, “okay, so how are we going to do this?” They
then began picking which one of my siblings they would be in charge of.
I looked over at my younger sister, Angelica, and I saw the sadness and
fear in her eyes. My siblings had just lost their father, and they were
about to be separated from each other. As orders were being given by
my uncle, I intervened. I made it clear that no one would be separated
and that I would be in charge. They were doubtful. I could see it in their
faces. But I knew I could do it. Their doubt was my motivation.
Fast forward 25 years later, I am proud to say that I succeeded. I
proved that I was able to move forward, even after the loss of my father
and the load of responsibilities that followed. My motivation to exceed
the expectations of those who doubted me was accomplished. Although
the circumstances I was put through were difficult, I was able to thrive.