Sowing Pearls ofWisdom Sowing Pearls ofWisdom - Literacy Suffolk

Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Family Literacy
Family Literacy Group
The Family Literacy classes meet
at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley
Library twice weekly during the
school year. The classes usually
consist of 10 to 15 non-Englishspeaking
students, mostly mothers
with very young children. The
toddlers are separated and are part
of a wonderful learning program
directed by the library. In our class,
we stress practical situations such
as meeting with a child’s teacher,
shopping, asking directions, making
and keeping a doctor’s appointment,
and applying for a job.
This is the third year I have taught
this program. Because I do not
speak a foreign language, I would
not be able to teach this class without
the help of Carmen Gao and
Maria Naupari. Both of these
women are former literacy students
who have now become tutors.
(Eileen Sribnick, tutor)
My Mom Is in My Heart
By Maria J. Ruiz
y name is Maria Jose. I was born in Spain. I came to
the United States eight years ago. I live in Shirley, New
York. I like this country.
M I
My two sons and my husband are my life, but my heart belongs to
my mom. My mom is my friend, my sister, my confidant. My mom
is part of me.
I phone my mom two times every day. We talk about my sons, the
house, the weather, food, and about me. I ask about my brother,
my niece (the princess), my sister-in-law, my father, my aunt, and
all the family. My family is very big.
I have not gone to Spain for eight years. My mom comes every year
at Christmas. She did not come this year, but that is another story.
In 2003, she went to the First Communion of my oldest son,
Samuel. In 2004 she came for his 5th grade graduation. She was
here for three months at Christmas in 2006. When she comes to
New York she brings energy that I don’t have.
I love you, Mom. When I am with her, I love her more and more.
I understand that I love my mom, my husband, and my sons. They
are my life, but my heart is with my mom and Spain.
Maria’s mother and Maria’s two sons
44 READING FOR LIFE 2OO8 • Student Writing
My Family’s Visit
By Maria de los Angeles Vivian
have lived in this country for five
years with my husband. We have
one daughter and one son. All the
time we have lived in the United States we
have not seen them. They live in Argentina.
Last year in October, my children said, “in
December we have a one week vacation and
we will come and see you.”
My husband and I were happy and nervous. I
wanted my apartment to be beautiful. This
was a special time for me.
They came on December 27. We got up early
in the morning and made a special breakfast
for our family. The airplane arrived at 6 am at
JFK Airport. They arrived at my home at 8:30
Mom’s Arrival in America
By Abida Sultana
F
ebruary 20, 2008, was a very
special day for be because my
mom came to America. My family
and I went to the airport to pick up my mom.
When I saw my mom at the airport, I felt
so happy and excited that I could not
express myself.
Afterwards, we took her to my house and
had a little get together with the rest of our
family. I am thankful to my husband
because he supported me throughout the
whole situation.
Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Family Literacy
am. The moment came and I had a lot of
emotions. I cried and I was happy, very happy.
My son and daughter were different.
That week was unforgettable. I was happy I
had my family with me. The week was short.
We went to different places. We went to New
York City and to Montauk to see the beach
and to go shopping. On the last day, my
friend and her husband drove us to the airport.
The moment was not good because my
children departed.
I remember every day of that week; every
small moment. I love my daughter, Gabriela,
and my son, Gerardo.
Abida’s mother and Abida’s two sons
LITERACY SUFFOLK, INC. • Sowing Pearls of Wisdom 45