To write about my experience as a pediatrics resident, I must mention Amparo. Amparo is my grandmother’s first cousin on my dad’s side; for reference, she is my cousin. Amparo changed my dad’s life 35 years ago when she helped him get an American visa. She also gave him money for his first ticket to the United States. It is not crazy to say that Amparo was a crucial step in my existence because a few months after my dad arrived, he met my mom, and I am the result of that union.
When I received the offer for residency in New York, my dad contacted Amparo to ask if she could help me during my first days in this unknown place. She was happy to help and let me stay with her for 10 days after my arrival. She lives in Cranford, New Jersey, about 2 hours from Brooklyn, New York.
During the three years of residency, I came to New Jersey once or twice a month to visit my cousin. Our days during my stay were always the same. She would pick me up from Newark Penn Station, and we would go to a Colombian bakery to eat empanadas, buñuelos, and arepas. Later, we would go to her apartment and watch movies all day. When it was time to go to bed, she would let me sleep in her comfortable bed while she slept on the couch, despite my insisting to let me sleep on the couch, she never let me do it. The next day she would drive me back to the station. While driving, my cousin would tell me about her youth adventures, recommend home remedies, and give love advice. She is convinced I will find a great partner one day. Amparo always made me feel welcomed and loved. Whenever I felt lonely, I would come to New Jersey to get my dose of love. It was a short vacation for my heart.
Two months ago, my visits to New Jersey changed. I am now writing from the waiting room of a hospital. The doctors say it is terminal cancer.
I am a true believer that the meaning of life is love. I stand by what Viktor Frankl said in his book “Man’s Search for Meaning” – “Salvation of man is through love and in love”-. My cousin has lived to love and even though she might not be with me for much longer her legacy of love will stay with me forever.
While I reflect on the shortness of life, I remember my commitment to love—to love my patients, my friends, and my family, to love those who are difficult to love. I want to live like my cousin has lived. I want a legacy of love that will stay even after it’s my turn to die.
When I asked her what she wants the world to know, she told me three things:
- Don’t work too much because money is nothing.
- Live with a free spirit.
- Nature will bring you healing.
This post is the first I have written in Spanish and English because I want more people to know her story. I hope this legacy of love inspires my readers today as she inspired me.
Dedicated to my cousin Amparo. I love you.
