Spring, 2007
Note: The sections in italics are story starters taken from a great book, Write for You—Creative Activities for Building Writing Skills by Janet Morey and Gail Schafers. Everything else is original.
Sandra R. Bem
I was at home waiting for my friend to pick me up to go to a movie. I heard a noise in front of the house, and thinking it was my friend, I went to open the door. But what I saw changed my plans completely.
What a magical day!
I really couldn't believe what I saw. All the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" team and, of course, Ty Pennington, the well-known and lovable home design leader guy were there. They were in front of my house and so were my neighbors showing their enthusiasm and solidarity. Certainly, I couldn't hide my emotion and I cried.
One month later, I had my house totally remodeled and refurnished. They broke some walls, put coordinated colors on them, added recessed lamps in the kitchen, and replaced the countertop. I'm very excited with my contemporary and stylish furniture. Besides, I love my new landscaping and the swimming pool with its cascade.
Actually, I'm so proud of my cozy and brand new home and, especially of my fantastic cinema room with its twelve comfortable cushioned seats for my special guests.
To sum up, I have no words to thank the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" staff. They made my dream come true.
MOTHER
Sandra Bem
Mother is a word that brings love in itself I really know the meaning of this sweet, generous and at the same time strong word.
I wasn't raised by my mother. I didn't get her daily care and worries. In other words, I wasn't pampered as ordinary children usually are. So, there was a lack of love in my heart. Indeed, I couldn't do anything and neither could my mother. Therefore, we had to make do. Our hands were tied.
However, we shared furtive and unforgettable moments. For instance, it's vivid in my mind the day she went to my school. She was elegant, glamorous and lovely. I was in the 3rd grade. I studied in a public school located in a poor area of the city. In contrast, my mother lived in a fancy and posh one. "She really looks like an actress", I thought proudly. Besides, I still remember the name of her favorite French parfums: "Cabochard", "Fleur de Rocaille" and "Muguet du Bonheur". It's incredible how intense they are in my sense of smell.
The weekends that I went to her house, she cooked delicious food, those foods that just mothers are able to prepare. We ate out at her uncle's Lebanese restaurant. Also, I enjoyed going to the beach to see famous people while walking on the shore.
Finally, when I was 21 years old I was literally free; we were free to hang out anytime and anywhere. Undoubtedly, it was a victory!
She was a gentle and cheerful person. She was always in a good mood. However, we avoided talking about the past. We knew that there was a kind of wound, an open wound that could suddenly start bleeding once it was touched. Therefore, she wasn't as happy as she looked. In reality, she developed a defense mechanism in order to hide her sadness.
In 1991, she died. I felt alone again. Our relationship was based on respect and love. I can say that it doesn't matter how distant we are physically. We will be united forever.
My childhood
Sandra Bem
As a child, I see myself always struggling with unexpected moments that life had reserved for me. Actually, I felt unprotected and even unsafe in most episodes of my childhood. Besides, I witnessed battle after and battle (physical and psychological) between my dad and mom. However, there was a kind of voice, a healing inner voice that tried to console and explain things to that confused little girl.
Then, when I was five years old my parents got divorced. And, without having a chance to choose, my brother, my sister, and I stayed under my father and my stepmother's care.
My childhood was surrounded by fruit trees, frustration, some child’s play, books and responsibility. Moreover, when I was twelve years old I was in charge of the house: I took care of my two half sisters, I cooked, and I studied hard. More than that, I was ready to face the challenges of life.
Nevertheless, each 14 days I went to my mother's house. She pampered me a lot. She lived in Copacabana beach that is one of the most elegant and charming place in Rio de Janeiro. I loved to go window shopping and memorize the names of the streets. I really had a blast. Certainly, those were my "Cinderella" moments.
In conclusion, I consider that living is an eternal learning. The more you live, the more you learn. Also, you grow as a person and are able to outdo yourself.
AN IMPORTANT TIME OF MY LIFE
Haidyy Torres
When I was a little girl, I was living with my grandmother. I used to call her mami.Then when I was twelve years old she died and I had to come back to live with my parents, sisters and brother. The process of adapting was a little difficult for me, but with the love of my family it was easier.
At that time, my focus was studying for ten years; then I could obtain one of my dreams to be in the university.
One day while I was studying I met the man of my dreams, but he had known me since two years ago and never had talked with me before. When he saw me for the first time he thought that I would be his wife.
We had a courtship for one year then I had to make the most important decision; I got married and left my family and my country to begin a new life.
Now my life in this country has been very good, I can say I am very happy because I have an excellent husband and three wonderful and healthy children.
MY MOTHER
Haidyy Torres
God has made an incredible woman and a beautiful and wonderful mother; ROSALINDA, she is my mother.
My mom is the best person in the world I love her very much. I carry her inspiration with me always in my heart.
My mother advises me all the time to be a good, honest, responsible, grateful person. She has been my teacher, she taught me "When life gives lemons, make lemonade" Especially, my mom is my best friend; she is very affectionate, confident and understanding.
I can tell that my mother is wonderful and extraordinary.
I want to say, "Thank you, Mom for being my mom and thank you for all the things that you always give to me."
I give thanks to GOD for having given me my Mom. I love you Mom.
CHILHOOD
Haidyy Torres
When I was a little girl, I lived with my grandmother; I used to call her Mami: I was very happy we enjoyed sharing every day ever year together.
We liked to travel and visit my family in different states in Mexico, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Zacatecas, etc., always together. I remember when I was six years old my Dad wanted to take me to come back to live with my parents, but I didn't want to because I loved living with my grandmother and had never been separated from her.
The years passed by. My grandmother was very affectionate with me.
I can tell that my childhood was wonderful because I shared and enjoyed every moment with her, but one terrible day my life had a dramatic change because she died.
Childhood Memories
Irene Choy
I remember when I was a little girl my grandmother and I lived in a small house in the countryside. My grandmother was a tall and thin woman. She was very kind, nice, and brave.
My grandmother taught me many things when I was 5-7 years old. She taught me how to take care of and feed little chickens, rabbits, cats, and dogs. Sometimes she showed me how to cook. She cooked very well and could cook for 50 people.
When was ten years old she passed away. I miss her a lot. I like the animals from those times. She always encouraged me to do things. From my heart, I will always be thankful to her.
Mother’s Day
Irene Choy
My mother is a nice person. She is 68 years old and lives in Hong Kong. She is a good mother to her three children. Every day she goes to the market to buy some meat, fruit, and bread; then she prepares lunch and dinner. Then she does a lot of housework. She supports me in all things. She always helps somebody who asks for help, even if they ask to borrow money. She doesn’t care if they don’t return the money.
I love my mom because she helps me and teaches me a lot of things. I am always grateful to my mother from my heart.
Dora Gonzalez
The phone rang several times Saturday night. But every time I answered it, no one spoke. I could hear soft music in the background, so I knew someone was on the other end of the phone.
I remember perfectly because it was my birthday, June 15. It all started one day, I was talking to my mom about how bad I felt and how much I regretted it for not having my 15th birthday party. Where I come from it’s a tradition to have a big, fancy quinceañera party, but at the time all I wanted instead of a party was a car and money, so I got it.
When all my friends showed me their pictures, their videos, and talked about how unforgettable the party was, it became something that they never forgot. Well, yes, I felt jealous and I thought of planning a big 18th birthday party to replace what I had missed before. What I hadn’t planned was that the day of my high school graduation landing on the same day as my birthday, so I cancelled. In a way it got spoiled because all my friends had their own parties.
After that I thought of waiting for my 21st birthday. It was going to be even better; I was going to be able to legally drink. I guess I forgot all about my dream party when I turned 21 years old; guess what, I was eight months pregnant and very huge. But my mom remembered how badly I wanted a party; so instead of a birthday
party, it turned into a baby shower and when the phone rang it was my mom calling me to make sure I was home because my dad was on the way to pick me up to take me to my surprise baby shower.
I had my party after all.
My Willy
Dora Gonzalez
I have only one brother five years older that me. When I was around six years old, I remember I was always complaining to my parents about feeling so lonely. I had friends, but most of them came from big families which I was jealous about.
One Sunday after church we went to visit Grandma. Oh boy! I will never forget that day. She had found a puffy white little dog on the street and took it home. I fell in love with that cute dog. Luckily for me, the dog was female and pregnant, ready to have puppies any day. After she had two puppies one died and the other one, grandma gave to me. I was so happy when I took it home. I named it Willy; it was a boy. A few days later we found out that he was deaf. I loved the dog. From the day I got him we were always together.
One summer my parents decided to go on vacation for a week; we were going to Acapulco. So we had Grandma watching over Willy. When we came back the first thing I wanted was my Willy; I sassed my dog. Well, Grandma had a worried face when she saw me…Willy was lost.
I cried for a week, day and night. We looked for him, passed out flyers, had posters around, but never found him. My parents saw me depressed; they wanted to take me to every pet shop in town to look for another dog to replace him. But I refused.
Willy was unique. To this day I still have good memories of him and when I talk about him it still gets me upset.
Sandra R. Bem
I was at home waiting for my friend to pick me up to go to a movie. I heard a noise in front of the house, and thinking it was my friend, I went to open the door. But what I saw changed my plans completely.
What a magical day!
I really couldn't believe what I saw. All the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" team and, of course, Ty Pennington, the well-known and lovable home design leader guy were there. They were in front of my house and so were my neighbors showing their enthusiasm and solidarity. Certainly, I couldn't hide my emotion and I cried.
One month later, I had my house totally remodeled and refurnished. They broke some walls, put coordinated colors on them, added recessed lamps in the kitchen, and replaced the countertop. I'm very excited with my contemporary and stylish furniture. Besides, I love my new landscaping and the swimming pool with its cascade.
Actually, I'm so proud of my cozy and brand new home and, especially of my fantastic cinema room with its twelve comfortable cushioned seats for my special guests.
To sum up, I have no words to thank the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" staff. They made my dream come true.
MOTHER
Sandra Bem
Mother is a word that brings love in itself I really know the meaning of this sweet, generous and at the same time strong word.
I wasn't raised by my mother. I didn't get her daily care and worries. In other words, I wasn't pampered as ordinary children usually are. So, there was a lack of love in my heart. Indeed, I couldn't do anything and neither could my mother. Therefore, we had to make do. Our hands were tied.
However, we shared furtive and unforgettable moments. For instance, it's vivid in my mind the day she went to my school. She was elegant, glamorous and lovely. I was in the 3rd grade. I studied in a public school located in a poor area of the city. In contrast, my mother lived in a fancy and posh one. "She really looks like an actress", I thought proudly. Besides, I still remember the name of her favorite French parfums: "Cabochard", "Fleur de Rocaille" and "Muguet du Bonheur". It's incredible how intense they are in my sense of smell.
The weekends that I went to her house, she cooked delicious food, those foods that just mothers are able to prepare. We ate out at her uncle's Lebanese restaurant. Also, I enjoyed going to the beach to see famous people while walking on the shore.
Finally, when I was 21 years old I was literally free; we were free to hang out anytime and anywhere. Undoubtedly, it was a victory!
She was a gentle and cheerful person. She was always in a good mood. However, we avoided talking about the past. We knew that there was a kind of wound, an open wound that could suddenly start bleeding once it was touched. Therefore, she wasn't as happy as she looked. In reality, she developed a defense mechanism in order to hide her sadness.
In 1991, she died. I felt alone again. Our relationship was based on respect and love. I can say that it doesn't matter how distant we are physically. We will be united forever.
My childhood
Sandra Bem
As a child, I see myself always struggling with unexpected moments that life had reserved for me. Actually, I felt unprotected and even unsafe in most episodes of my childhood. Besides, I witnessed battle after and battle (physical and psychological) between my dad and mom. However, there was a kind of voice, a healing inner voice that tried to console and explain things to that confused little girl.
Then, when I was five years old my parents got divorced. And, without having a chance to choose, my brother, my sister, and I stayed under my father and my stepmother's care.
My childhood was surrounded by fruit trees, frustration, some child’s play, books and responsibility. Moreover, when I was twelve years old I was in charge of the house: I took care of my two half sisters, I cooked, and I studied hard. More than that, I was ready to face the challenges of life.
Nevertheless, each 14 days I went to my mother's house. She pampered me a lot. She lived in Copacabana beach that is one of the most elegant and charming place in Rio de Janeiro. I loved to go window shopping and memorize the names of the streets. I really had a blast. Certainly, those were my "Cinderella" moments.
In conclusion, I consider that living is an eternal learning. The more you live, the more you learn. Also, you grow as a person and are able to outdo yourself.
AN IMPORTANT TIME OF MY LIFE
Haidyy Torres
When I was a little girl, I was living with my grandmother. I used to call her mami.Then when I was twelve years old she died and I had to come back to live with my parents, sisters and brother. The process of adapting was a little difficult for me, but with the love of my family it was easier.
At that time, my focus was studying for ten years; then I could obtain one of my dreams to be in the university.
One day while I was studying I met the man of my dreams, but he had known me since two years ago and never had talked with me before. When he saw me for the first time he thought that I would be his wife.
We had a courtship for one year then I had to make the most important decision; I got married and left my family and my country to begin a new life.
Now my life in this country has been very good, I can say I am very happy because I have an excellent husband and three wonderful and healthy children.
MY MOTHER
Haidyy Torres
God has made an incredible woman and a beautiful and wonderful mother; ROSALINDA, she is my mother.
My mom is the best person in the world I love her very much. I carry her inspiration with me always in my heart.
My mother advises me all the time to be a good, honest, responsible, grateful person. She has been my teacher, she taught me "When life gives lemons, make lemonade" Especially, my mom is my best friend; she is very affectionate, confident and understanding.
I can tell that my mother is wonderful and extraordinary.
I want to say, "Thank you, Mom for being my mom and thank you for all the things that you always give to me."
I give thanks to GOD for having given me my Mom. I love you Mom.
CHILHOOD
Haidyy Torres
When I was a little girl, I lived with my grandmother; I used to call her Mami: I was very happy we enjoyed sharing every day ever year together.
We liked to travel and visit my family in different states in Mexico, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Zacatecas, etc., always together. I remember when I was six years old my Dad wanted to take me to come back to live with my parents, but I didn't want to because I loved living with my grandmother and had never been separated from her.
The years passed by. My grandmother was very affectionate with me.
I can tell that my childhood was wonderful because I shared and enjoyed every moment with her, but one terrible day my life had a dramatic change because she died.
Childhood Memories
Irene Choy
I remember when I was a little girl my grandmother and I lived in a small house in the countryside. My grandmother was a tall and thin woman. She was very kind, nice, and brave.
My grandmother taught me many things when I was 5-7 years old. She taught me how to take care of and feed little chickens, rabbits, cats, and dogs. Sometimes she showed me how to cook. She cooked very well and could cook for 50 people.
When was ten years old she passed away. I miss her a lot. I like the animals from those times. She always encouraged me to do things. From my heart, I will always be thankful to her.
Mother’s Day
Irene Choy
My mother is a nice person. She is 68 years old and lives in Hong Kong. She is a good mother to her three children. Every day she goes to the market to buy some meat, fruit, and bread; then she prepares lunch and dinner. Then she does a lot of housework. She supports me in all things. She always helps somebody who asks for help, even if they ask to borrow money. She doesn’t care if they don’t return the money.
I love my mom because she helps me and teaches me a lot of things. I am always grateful to my mother from my heart.
Dora Gonzalez
The phone rang several times Saturday night. But every time I answered it, no one spoke. I could hear soft music in the background, so I knew someone was on the other end of the phone.
I remember perfectly because it was my birthday, June 15. It all started one day, I was talking to my mom about how bad I felt and how much I regretted it for not having my 15th birthday party. Where I come from it’s a tradition to have a big, fancy quinceañera party, but at the time all I wanted instead of a party was a car and money, so I got it.
When all my friends showed me their pictures, their videos, and talked about how unforgettable the party was, it became something that they never forgot. Well, yes, I felt jealous and I thought of planning a big 18th birthday party to replace what I had missed before. What I hadn’t planned was that the day of my high school graduation landing on the same day as my birthday, so I cancelled. In a way it got spoiled because all my friends had their own parties.
After that I thought of waiting for my 21st birthday. It was going to be even better; I was going to be able to legally drink. I guess I forgot all about my dream party when I turned 21 years old; guess what, I was eight months pregnant and very huge. But my mom remembered how badly I wanted a party; so instead of a birthday
party, it turned into a baby shower and when the phone rang it was my mom calling me to make sure I was home because my dad was on the way to pick me up to take me to my surprise baby shower.
I had my party after all.
My Willy
Dora Gonzalez
I have only one brother five years older that me. When I was around six years old, I remember I was always complaining to my parents about feeling so lonely. I had friends, but most of them came from big families which I was jealous about.
One Sunday after church we went to visit Grandma. Oh boy! I will never forget that day. She had found a puffy white little dog on the street and took it home. I fell in love with that cute dog. Luckily for me, the dog was female and pregnant, ready to have puppies any day. After she had two puppies one died and the other one, grandma gave to me. I was so happy when I took it home. I named it Willy; it was a boy. A few days later we found out that he was deaf. I loved the dog. From the day I got him we were always together.
One summer my parents decided to go on vacation for a week; we were going to Acapulco. So we had Grandma watching over Willy. When we came back the first thing I wanted was my Willy; I sassed my dog. Well, Grandma had a worried face when she saw me…Willy was lost.
I cried for a week, day and night. We looked for him, passed out flyers, had posters around, but never found him. My parents saw me depressed; they wanted to take me to every pet shop in town to look for another dog to replace him. But I refused.
Willy was unique. To this day I still have good memories of him and when I talk about him it still gets me upset.