Tag: Grandparent

Happy Grandparents Day!

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Grandparents hold a unique and irreplaceable place in the family structure. They are the keepers of traditions, the bearers of wisdom, and the storytellers of our family histories. The value of grandparents extends far beyond simply being older family members; they are the embodiment of love and experience. Grandparents provide a sense of continuity and stability in a rapidly changing world. They offer a perspective that bridges generations, reminding us of our roots and where we come from. Their unconditional love and guidance shape our values and contribute significantly to our emotional development. As they share their life lessons, they impart not only knowledge but also resilience, patience, and the importance of familial bonds. Grandparents are a source of comfort, a refuge from life’s challenges, and a wellspring of support for both their children and grandchildren.

In the grand tapestry of life, grandparents play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation. They offer a wealth of experience and an abundance of time to spend with their grandchildren, forging deep and meaningful connections. The value of grandparents in a child’s life cannot be overstated. They provide a safe space where children can explore their identities, ask questions without judgment, and receive invaluable life advice. Grandparents often become cherished role models, instilling values, ethics, and traditions that shape their grandchildren’s character. Moreover, the relationships formed with grandparents create lasting memories that are treasured throughout one’s lifetime. The laughter shared, the stories told, and the unconditional love received from grandparents create a profound and enduring bond that enriches not only the lives of the grandchildren but also the entire family unit.

Today we celebrate you! Happy Grandparent’s day!

Photo by Tristan Le on Pexels.com

My Greatest Fear

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts7 Comments

I had the opportunity to meet the bravest 11-year-old. She has gone through a real terrible experience. She went through one of a little girls worse nightmare and a parent’s worse nightmare, she had been sexually abused by her grandfather. This brave girl now speaks up against trying to encourage other children to speak up. Let’s hear from Breann herself.

“My greatest fear happened last year, in 2012, over Spring Break. We went to Michigan to visit my grandparents. While we were there, on Saturday night, my grandfather sexually assaulted me.

On Sunday, while my grandfather was giving a speech in church, I was wondering if what happened to me was a dream. I found out later, that it was real when it happened a second time on Monday night.

On Tuesday morning, my mom came and sat down next to me. I told her, ‘I think someone touched me inappropriately.’ My dad confronted my grandfather, and my grandfather confessed and said he did sexually assault me.

We left immediately because of what happened. My father told me, ‘Breann, you’re my hero. If you hadn’t told us what had happened, it could’ve happened to Brooklyn or Morgan or Alexis. You saved your sisters.’

I told my dad, ‘You’re my hero, too.’ My greatest fear was telling my parents about what happened, but when I did, it wasn’t so bad. It wasn’t so bad because, at first I was scared to tell my parents but I felt I needed to trust my parents and tell someone so they could help me.

It was my greatest fear because I didn’t want to get my grandfather in trouble, but I knew that he needed to be held responsible for his actions. I hope this encourages other children to tell your parents or an adult they trust about something that happened, no matter how bad the situation may be.”

Thank you Breann for being so brave. Now, as hard as being able to tell her parents and confront her abuser, Breann was brave enough to speak up. It is quite empowering when victims of abuse of all ages are afraid to do what this 11-year-old has done. If you are a victim of abuse or know of someone who is, follow Breann’s example and speak up.

You can support Breann by sharing her cause on the link bellow

http://www.causes.com/actions/1746131-help-breann-and-voice-today-end-csa

You can also support this organization who is creating awareness about child abuse by supporting the event Volley for Voice.Www.voicetoday.org/volley

Always remember

Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

clip_image002 “This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

Behind the name

On By Naty MatosIn Writing Happenings3 Comments

WordPress gave us a  prompt some time this weekend, Where did your name come from? (or something to that effect). My full name is Natividad. People tend to think that I was born around Christmas as it sounds very close to the word Navidad, which is Christmas in Spanish. Ironically my birthday is in July. I’ve been sang “Feliz Navidad” many times at the sound of my name.

I can’t deny that I didn’t like much of my name growing up. It has so many letters that it usually didn’t fit in any form with squares provided to enter your name. Since I moved to the continental US it has been funnier because people struggle to pronounce it and some make it a personal challenge to say it well. At this point I’m used to it and when I’m in a public place and hear someone with their tongue tied trying to say out a name, I know they were calling my turn. I have not been mistaken once.

The fact is I received my name after my paternal grandmother. My father who had six daughters told my mother that he had always wanted to give one of his daughters his mother’s name and had never had the chance, so my mom agreed. I never met my grandmother as she had passed away when I was born. I think I’ve seen some old pictures of her.

Now as a writer working on branding my name I’m actually grateful for the name I have. I like the meaning of my name. It means being born and I’ve been in life situations when I’ve been given the opportunity of being born again and start life all over.  Also I’m glad that I have a different name that way people will recognize my name when they are looking for my books.