49.5

My mom Cristela. Cristela was raised poor in Mexico in a town called Piaxtla, in the state of Puebla. She spent all of her time in Mexico raising sheep and selling tamales on the street - 1 of 14 children. Back then, children were farmhands and education wasn't really something that was instilled in them. With no education, and few skills, she came to the US and met my dad Rafael (Sr.).

My Dad also didnt go to school. Two uneducated parents raising 7 children in the South Bronx. Let's say education wasnt a priority for them.. but they made it for us. There isnt a day that doesnt go by that I don't think of the sacrifices both of them made for all of us.

This Christmas she asked me to set her up with a computer. Her lack of education (and command of English) always made her feel like she was inferior.. but she never stopped wanting to try. True to that.. I got her a computer we had in the garage and we set it up.

She's working it out - bit by bit. It's always amazing to see someone just starting.. and she has an incredible way to go. It was good to see how much she lit up at the chance to be just like everyone else. That was a great Christmas present that we were all able to share.