“I just wish I were as strong as you are,” I tell my mother. “Look at what you’ve accomplished.” My mother shakes my arm. “And look at what you’ve accomplished. You own a business, filha. That takes skills and a lot of strength. Yes, you faced a few bumps along the way, but that’s life. Don’t ever think you need to be exactly like me. We’re not the same person. I’m not perfect or superhuman. I just did what I had to do at the time. Now it’s your turn. And you’re much stronger than you realize.”
