Grandma's Trunk/El baúl de Mamaíta gives the reader a tender scene about the special relationship between a child, a beloved grandmother and a treasured keepsake. After many years, the child's wish concerning the ritual is fulfilled.
The day’s last bell rang. Miss Anitica nodded her head and dismissed the class.
I got home just in time. She was bending over the granite washtub.
Grandma stood up, reached for her towel and slowly started to dry her hair….Then she saw me, and bending over, she kissed my forehead.
I asked her, “Grandma give me your blessing.”
May God bless you,” she said.
The bedroom opened onto the passageway where many herbs were growing…
…then she turned to me and said, “Under these little hair bows….are family pictures and holy cards of Santa Bárbara, La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre and San Lázaro.
I also remember seeing a Bible in grandma’s trunk….
I said, “I love you grandma. You will be in my heart always.”
My name is María Luisa Retana and a Cuban by birth. I received my B.A. in Spanish and Comparative Literature from the University of California, Riverside. I have worked extensively with children of all ages in scholastic and cultural events as well as in theater. I am the...
As a writer, I know that the best way I can honor my cultural heritage today is by sharing my bilingual/multicultural books. I hope that Grandma’s Trunk/El baúl de Mamaíta can bring to my readers pleasant and significant memories from childhood.