Immokalee Community Celebrates Mother’s Day

By Judy Weeks

IMMOKALEE — With a genuine desire to acknowledge one of the most influential people in their lives, the members of the Immokalee Seminole Community hosted a very special Mother’s Day celebration on the evening of May 9.

Following a royalty theme, the Gym was lavishly decorated in shades of purple and silver for the festive occasion. Grey velvet transformed the walls into an elegant atmosphere with purple crushed silk table cloths and silver slip coverings on the chairs. Massive spring bouquets of flowers decorated each of the tables.

The pungent odor of Peace Lilies and Baby’s Breathe encircled the room which was lined with more than 150 vases of flowers intended for every mother in attendance.

Weeks of preparation went into the planning of the event, which was sponsored by Chairman Mitchell Cypress, Big Cypress Council Representative David Cypress and Immokalee Board Liaison Raymond Garza. A committee of Tracy DeLaRosa, Vanessa Aguilar, Cecilia Pequeno, Juanita Martinez and Susan Davis acquired the gifts and door prizes and coordinated the many entities required to orchestrate a production of this size. Kenny Joe Davis, Gabriel Acosta and Raymond Mora were in charge of the technical aspects of lighting, music, public address system and power point presentation. Their combined efforts resulted in a fabulous success. Photographs of the mothers of the community had been obtained, including those of the founding elders, depicting various moments in the progression of their lives. The resulting video presentation was not only enjoyable but very emotional as it brought back pleasant memories from the past. The effect on the gathering was overwhelming. In addition to gifts of purses, toilet articles and bathrobes with slippers, each of the women received a beautiful acrylic picture frame engraved a poem titled “Dear Waachee.”

DEAR WAACHEE
You filled my days with rainbow lights,
fairy tales and sweet dream nights,
A kiss to wipe away my tears,
Pumpkin fry bread to ease my fears.
You gave the gift of life to me,
And then in love, you set me free.
I thank you for your tender care,
For deep warm hugs and being there.
I hope that when you think of me,
A part of you, you’ll always see.
Happy Mother’s Day
I Love You, Waachee
2007

There were many tear filled eyes, as the poem was read and memories abounded of departed mothers and grandmothers. Several elders gave emotional recognition of the hard working, self-sacrificing women who had not only given them life, but were instrumental in the founding of the Immokalee Reservation as they prepared a pathway for a better life for their descendents. Over whelmed with sentiment, Elaine Aguilar cried, “Take time out of your daily lives to share a few moments with your mothers as often as possible. Listen to them. Benefit from their many years of wisdom and learn about your past. My mother has been gone seven years, and I can’t tell you how often I think of her and wish that I had spent more time paying attention to her. She tried to tell me stories about my distant ancestors, clansmen and our relationships and origins, but I didn’t pay close enough attention. Every day I wish that I could talk with her and hear her words of wisdom. Don’t let these valuable moments slip away, because you will not get a second chance.”

Gathering in the front of the room, a group photo placed several new mothers in the foreground together with those who are expecting their offspring. Hugs and embraces followed a universal applause for motherhood. A fantastic catered buffet included fish, chicken, ribs and a multitude of side dishes served on attractive place settings, which completed the evening’s ensemble. Immokalee Seminole Casino donated fry bread for the occasion. Door prizes were raffled off throughout the event and Elizabeth Oleo was the recipient of the Grand Prize—the coveted foot and calf massage machine which everyone had been admiring throughout the evening.