Welcome to Charlas con Abuela, I’m Sophie and this where the past comes alive through the stories and memories of my abuela, who grew up in the vibrant city of Bogotá, Colombia. Through our FaceTime calls, we travel back in time together-sharing her journeys, lessons, and the rich history that shaped her life. This blog is a tribute to her incredible life, her wisdom, and the beautiful bond we share across generations. Join us as we Join us as we uncover the stories that shape her life and mine, one heartfelt conversation at a time.
May 11th, 2025 – Abuela’s Strength
Today is Mother’s Day, and though my Abuela can’t be in town for most years, every morning my mom and I FaceTime her to wish her a happy Mother’s Day. It’s become a tradition-one that bridges the miles between us and keeps her company, making the distance feel a little less vast. Even though we’re separated by hundreds of miles, this daily ritual brings us closer, reminding us that love and family transcend any physical gap. The sound of her voice and the sight of her smile on the screen are comforting, and it’s a moment we all look forward to each year.
As we chatted this morning, Abuela began reminiscing about her days as a young mother. She raised my mom and my aunt all on her own, a feat that still amazes me every time I hear her stories. She spoke about the early mornings and late nights, the sacrifices she made, and the creative ways she stretched every penny to make sure her daughters never went without. Her determination and resourcefulness were truly inspiring. She also talked about her work life-balancing being an athlete for the national Colombian Volleyball team while being a mother. The fact that she trained hard, traveled for competitions, and still came home to care for her family is nothing short of heroic. It made me realize how much strength and resilience she carried within her.
Her stories are not just memories; they are lessons in perseverance, love, and dedication. Hearing about her experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for everything she has done and continues to do for our family. Before we hung up, Abuela reminded us to cherish each other and to celebrate the women in our lives every day-not just on Mother’s Day. Her words lingered with me long after the call ended, echoing in my heart as a gentle reminder of the importance of gratitude and connection.
So today, even though we’re apart, I am grateful for our morning tradition and for the stories that connect us. My Abuela’s love and resilience are the roots that ground our family, and her wisdom continues to guide us, no matter the distance.
Feliz Día de las Madres, Abuela. Gracias por todo.
May 16th, 2025 – Abuelas Journey to the U.S
When I was 8, I thought getting a green card was as simple as drawing one in my purple sparkle sketchbook. Little did I know that Abuelas path to becoming a U.S. citizen was anything but simple. That was the first thing my Abuela and I reminisced about during our weekly Facetime call. She thought the idea of little 2nd grade me rushing over to her with a tiny cut-out card in green marker was hysterical.
At present, I’ve picked up what the real process of moving to America is. My Abuela went through a very long, tedious, and complicated process to get where she is now. She told me about the never-ending paperwork, the draining interviews, and possibly the worst part: waiting for all of it to get approved.
While she was navigating the exhausting and often frustrating maze of paperwork, another daunting challenge loomed… learning English. As a child learning new things and absorbing information comes naturally, almost effortlessly. But for an adult, tackling a brand new language can be much more challenging and sometimes an overwhelming experience. Nevertheless, she remained positive and eager to learn every time she didn’t know what a word or phrase meant, and for that, I have so much respect for her.
It was July 8th, 2021 when my Abuela finally overcame the milestone of officially becoming a U.S. citizen. My mom and I were overjoyed and incredibly proud of her for this accomplishment.
One powerful lesson I’ve learned from her story is that no matter how daunting a challenge may seem when it makes you want toggle up- maintaining a positive mindset and practicing patience can carry you through to the other side.
Luckily my Abuela has a huge support system in our family. Living in a cozy condominium with my aunt in Miami, the rest of our cousins, aunts, and uncles all live within a reasonable distance. Though my mom and I are still up north in Minnesota, in spirit we have always been with my Abuela, making our Facetime calls more meaningful.
Reflecting on her experience, I feel a deep sense of respect for her. To take on moving to a new country, learning a new language, and building new relationships is truly remarkable. I am so proud of my Abuela and her strength to overcome new challenges, even later in life.
