This Mother’s May, we want to celebrate not only moms, but immigrants who made the journey – and sacrifice – to make a better life for themselves and their family. In fact, many of our employees here at Ria Money Transfer have done this, like Lizeth, a cashier living and working in Hesperia, California.

With seven kids (ages 9, 11, 15, 16, 18, 20, and 23), five dogs, and a full-time job, she’s busy to say the least.

“Currently, there’s a dog for every kid who is living in the house with us,” she laughed.

But with attention, discipline, and never taking the small moments for granted, she’s cultivated the family she always wanted. She’s always felt like the trips to school or the doctor’s office are just as special as trips to Disneyland. And, with the support and love from her husband, Mauricio, they have everything they need.

“He’s like another mother,” she described. “He gives our kids the attention and protection they need, and he cooks for everyone, too!”

A single mom coming to America

Life wasn’t always this way, though. In 2002, Lizeth made the journey from Chiapas, Mexico to the United States. She was a widowed single mother immigrating with two kids with little money and no family in the US.

Nonetheless, Lizeth persevered, working long hours to provide for her children. She grew up as an only child and was raised by her grandparents, which motivated her to be the attentive parent she never had growing up.

“I was lonely growing up,” Lizeth explained. “That’s why I’ve always wanted a family.”

She’s grateful to be surrounded by love and to be able to provide it, too.

A mother who researches

The biggest piece of advice that Lizeth would give other moms is to be understanding of teenagers. She believes this can be achieved through research, especially for parents who are less experienced. Her and Mauricio always sought out resources. They took informational classes together, spoke with school guidance counselors, and much more.

She explained: “When we grow older, we forget what it’s like to be a teenager. It’s a difficult time for kids.”

Although none of her kids have been problematic teens, the cultural shock of raising teens in the US was extreme since her kids’ lives were much different from her own growing up.

“Raising kids here felt all new to me,” she said.

According to Lizeth, Mexican teenagers are more independent because their parents can’t give them as much attention. It’s been a very different experience in the US since her kids are more dependent and don’t have to work to afford basic comforts. Even though this dichotomy was challenging, she’s grateful for the outcome.

“My favorite part of being a mom is watching my kids grow into good people,” Lizeth reflected. It also doesn’t hurt that they’ve turned out to be “well mannered.”

Mother’s Day for Lizeth

Mother’s Day is a day-long celebration in Lizeth’s house! It begins with her kids cooking her breakfast in bed. Then, throughout the day, they give her presents, love, and affection. Her younger kids make homemade cards and drawings, too. All these tokens of appreciation are a testament to the love with which Lizeth has raised her kids.

She’s appreciative that her family recognizes her efforts as a mom, and we at Ria want to recognize this, too. Thank you, Lizeth, for taking the time to talk with us and tell us your motherhood story.

Happy Mother’s May to you and all the moms reading this!

Be sure to check out the rest of our Mother’s May series.