I could look at this photo all day, every day.

Taken in Jalisco, Mexico in the early 1950s, this photo shows my mom Maria (the girl in the dark dress) with her mother and sisters. They lived in a little pueblo called Villa Guerrero in the state of Jalisco in Mexico.

My grandmother was called “Mama Conchita,” and I wish I could have known her.
My mom’s sisters were called “Tia Hermelinda” and “Tia Lula” (Lourdes). Tia Hermelinda died soon after this photo was taken, but Tia Lula is celebrating her 67th birthday soon. For some reason, I feel close to my Tia Hermelinda, even though I never met her. I have a sense that I would have really liked her.
I love this photo for so many reasons. I’d feel the same way even if it was a photo of people I didn’t know and cherish. It’s also one of only two pictures of my mother as a young girl that I’ve ever seen.
But, mostly I absolutely love the smile on mom’s face; she looks truly happy. ~shared by @_maybellina._