Tina L Diaz
I chose this picture of my mother at a young age because it has always been my absolute favorite since I was a little girl :)
She was born in Palmetto Beach (Tampa) and had a happy childhood with her mom, dad, and siblings-Percy, Olga, Purita, Bernardo, Jr,. and many loving cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.
They brthers and sisters have all passed, making her the matriarch of our family.
My mother loved to cook for her family. Her Spanish food was the Best. My favorites were Ropa Vieja, Carne con Papa, Boliche, Minuta, Bistec Empanizado, Chicken soup, all kinds of beans and Lentils, Flan, Rice Pudding,, PJs, ....... and much more.
She also loved to sew, making her and myself beautiful dresses, pantsuits. She made costumes for her children and grandchildren.
My parents owned Baldomero Cleaners in Ybor City, where she worked at the front counter for 22 years. She had a great view of the Cigar Factory across the street and enjoyed watching and meeting the people that worked there.
She then worked at Sears and Penneys. Her favorite job of all time was being a Kindergarten, ECIA, and ESOL teacher's aide for Hillsborough County Schools. She enjoyed working closely with many elementary school students, helping them to do well in school.
My mother loved to shop. She was shopping for clothes and shoes up until 3 months of her passing. She was always ready to go out to eat and shop.
She had a firecracker spirit and we will all miss that.
She loved her family -all the way from the 3 of us, to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, to her nieces and nephews grandchildren. That's a lot of family..... :)
I will miss making her laugh.
I hope she is enjoying the reunion of all of her loved ones that have already passed before her.
I know I will truly miss her.