A Mother's Day tribute to my Mom, Leonor Elvira Herrera Perez.

My Mother fed the working souls of NYC.

Her name was Leonor Perez, and she worked at a Manhattan supermarket deli counter, making sandwiches, salads, and hot foods. It was hard work, and she was on her feet in the early mornings. I still remember those mornings. She would gently wake me up to braid my hair for school (ouch, those hair knots), carving some time out with me before she rode the subway to work.

The food she made at the deli was delicious — so much so that a line would wrap around the store to order from her, have her make their breakfast or lunch, and chat and laugh with her. It was more than the food. Customers refused the service of others and only wanted a moment with my Mother.

I'm being honest. Sharing my Mom with others was not easy for me. I did not want her to go to work, and I did not want to say goodbye to her and then see her tired and with body aches. But day after day, she supported our family beyond what my Father’s disability checks would cover.

This is why I value:

• embracing the early hours

• pride in my work, and the joy it brings

• family as the foundation on which all else rests

With deepest gratitude and love, on this Mother’s Day, I honor my Mom, Leonor Elvira Herrera Perez, and all the women who, like her, feed our souls.

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