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.