| MOM Mom was born Esiquiel Gonzales. Daughter of Juan and Carmen (Paiz) Gonzales. She had 2 brothers, Jesse and Willie and one sister, Lillie Gonzales Miller. Her brother Jesse went to heaven before her. She married our dad,Juan Aranda, whom we lost on August 26, 1987. She lost her mom at an early age when her sister was 5 years old. Newly married and with a son, Arthur, she helped her dad raise her little sister. She always helped anyone, but family was always important to her. She had 10 children. She lost her first child at birth and her 8th child, Cynthia, when she was 5 months old. Mom did everything she could for 8 children even if at times she did not have much money. She washed by hand so many years and never complained about it although many days she was exhausted at the end of the day. As kids we never realized just how hard it must have been for her to do all the things she did. She cooked breakfast early each morning and made sure we all got to school. She washed dishes with no sink or running water. She sewed all our clothing and ironed them every day. Mom took care of all of us, but I know I made it extra hard on her. But she never said anything and just did all she could for me. I had seizures since age 3 and I remember my mom through each one. If she was cooking at the time, she would turn off the stove and take me in her arms and would begin praying. Mom always prayed. I always heard her prayers when she held me and it was sure comforting to know that she was there for me. So no matter what mom was doing at the time, I knew I could go to her and she would be there waiting to hold and pray for me. She never hit any of us and always told us that we never gave her any reason to, but I think mom had more patience and love that anyone I have ever known. Mom loved to garden. She had more plants than anyone on the street where we lived. People would sometimes stop or slow down just to see her flowers. Mom's flowers meant the world to her so whenever even one got destroyed she would feel sad. Even if she had so many just like it. Each flower she care for as best she could. She never had a summer that she did not have a full garden of plants and flowers. We always teased her about planting some on the roof if she ran out of space. Mom had a green thumb and could make anything grow so lovely. As we got older and got married, Mom still made each holiday special. She loved to cook and bake and she always wanted us to be together, She still had her plants to keep her occupied each day. Mom loved to go to church. Many times she had no transportation to church so she would stay home and read her bible. Mom always read her bible. With other people helping, Mom started a mission at our old home. They had service and in summer they had Vacation Bible School. Mom loved doing all she could for the mission. The mission moved to a new location and was a big part of mom's life until she could no longer get around. She missed going to church and went whenever she felt good. It was difficult seeing Mom starting to lose her independence. She wanted to do want she always enjoyed all of her life doing. When mom could not live alone anymore, she was not so happy. She wanted to keep doing what she always did for us. She wanted the special get togethers on holidays. But so much had change since those days. I think mom kept us together for as long as she could. Mom died on April 26, 2005. She had been in the hospital for about 3 weeks suffering from Congestive Heart Failure and complications with Diabetes. Mom was 82 years old. She lived until the last day, praising God. I was with her the day before. My brother, Arthur, had been singing to her "Un Dia A La Vez".....I know my mom enjoyed hearing him sing to her. I sang to her " Cuan Gloriosa Sera La Manana" and although she was weak and did not have her eyes open, she would raise her hand, praising God. Mom Loved God so much and was a Wonderful Christian. I know she is at peace now with all those who went before her. I know she must be standing in the most beautiful Garden taking care of each flower as if it were her only one. Mom was the best and we will never forget her, Our hearts and thoughts will always be filled with the memories of her love. We love you, MOM. |
| SONG PLAYING: TAL COMO SOY/ YO ME RINDO A EL- CRYSTAL LEWIS |
| TAL COMO SOY/ YO ME RINDO A EL TAL COMO SOY, DE PECADOR, SIN MAS CONFIANZA QUE TU AMOR YA QUE ME LLAMAS, ACUDI, CORDERO DE DIOS, HEME AQUI. TAL COMO SOY, ACOGERAS; PERDON, ALIVIO ME DARAS; PUES TU PROMESA YA CREI; CORDERO DE DIOS, HEME AQUI. TODO A CRISTO YO ME RINDO, CON EL FIN DE SERLE FIEL. PARA SIEMPRE QUIERO AMARLE, AGRADALE SOLO A EL. YO ME RINDO A EL, YOU ME RINDO A EL. TODO A CRISTO YO ME ENTREGO QUIERO SERLE FIEL. |
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