I Remember Abuelita

I remember abuelita like it was yesterday
I remember her dark complexion, soft skin and long gray indian-like hair
I remember, on her visits to New York, that at about 9 p.m. abuelita would say, " ya es tarde, estos muchachos deben estar en la cama"
I remember abuelita always wore the long jibara dresses
I remember my mother telling me, "tu abuela, nunca tomo una bebida y nunca ha fumado"
I remember abuelita, standing at the front of the old wooden "casita" she called home, awaiting our arrival
I remember abuelita grinding fresh coffee beans for that pot of coffee
I remember abuelita like it was yesterday

Aleja Cruz Lima2/27/1899- 1/85

My grandmother was born and raised in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. She lived there her entire life until her passing. Although she passed away when I was a teenager, I remember her as if it were only yesterday. All the fond memories of her will forever be a part of my life.

'Bendicion Abuela'

What's in it for ME ?

Now that the stimulus bill is passed and signed the question that is being asked is ,"what's in it for me?". In order for this stimulus package to work the old way of thinking has to change from me to we.

For far too long the "me" frame of thought has been the way and I believe that is what got us to where we are today. We, as a country, have to make sacrifices. From the corporate fat cat to the wall street honcho thinking about their next bonus to the little guy looking for that next pay raise, it is time for some real sacrifices to be made. It has been said time and time again, Wall Street and the corporate honchos have to trim down on their enormous bonuses, but it has to really happen. The burden cannot fall entirely on the little guy who is already scraping by and trying to makes ends meet. Americans of all social classes have to look beyond the "what's in it for me" mindset.

Getting out of this recession is not the sole job of President Obama. He is setting the ball into motion in an attempt to get us out of this but it is up to us to continue keeping that ball rolling. Then and only then can we begin to see change happen.

Tonight, President Obama will address the nation, it is an opportunity for all of us to stop, listen and think about what we can do as a nation to help in this recovery.

In The Bronx

(Librado Romero/The New York Times)

Finding a little of Puerto Rico shouldn't be that difficult when in the Bronx. The boroughs leader, Adolfo Carrion Jr., wants several local "casitas" declared city landmarks. This would definitely be a nice parting gift as he leaves for his new position in the Obama Administration. These "casitas" are definitely are part of Puerto Rican culture that have been around for a long time and bring the feel of home for many who have left the island.

Read the full article at The New York Times by C.J. Hughes: In Bronx, Little Houses That Evoke Puerto Rico .

(Librado Romero/The New York Times)