#natividadramos

[tinatamale]

Mama, your love and wisdom touches me everyday. I know you are with your mama, all your loved ones and the Ancestors above hopefully remembering the good times of your life when you were here with us. Know I reminisce about you, tell funny stories and channel you when I cook. 💙 #natividadramos August 1, 1931 #imissmymama @mama tamale (at Oakland, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgukWdPvcMr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[tinatamale]

This came up in my Facebook memories as my most liked photo of 2013. Initially, Mama would wrinkle her nose at extra attention. Gradually, over the years I got her to do interviews, photo shoots and podcasts that turned up in magazines, social media and newspapers from time to time. This was one of the more involved photo shoots. She played along fantastically. These are some of my most favorite pics of us. Mama said she knew the world was changing when she stopped being called Doña Nati of @tamalegirllb so much and became @MamaTamale, mother of @TinaTamale. She would give a big hearty laugh and raise her eyebrows at me. I would crack up at her amusement, how Life takes twists and turns. This @SFGATE article was something she was really proud of all of us, Las Niñas de LB. #imissmymama #natividadramos #laborinquenamexicatessen #latinohistory #latinohistoryinOakland #tamalegirl #heritage #cultura (at La Borinqueña Mex-icatessen & Specialty Shop) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJKk6Qlh19L/?igshid=7i6n9ltwm5qz

[tinatamale]

I love that she is embracing her mono (male doll) affectionately known as Frank in this very staged pic. She was never big on affection but taught me well and we mostly enjoyed each others company. We didn't always see eye to eye, but it was a discussion not a fight. We would work things out. Today is her spiritual birthday, when she left this world for next. I still feel her, hear her three years later helping me through good times and hard times. But I really miss just standing next to her. Natividad Ramos Aug 1, 1931 - Oct 23, 2016 #imissmymama #natividadramos #mamatamale #alwaysin ourhearts (at Oakland, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3-1kVOhY7v/?igshid=12tfp56ke0igi

[tinatamale]

Mama loved making this wrinkled nose face at me. I know she thought I was and am a doozy...and her daughter who shook her head in return. The best team ever. #teammamaymija #happymothersday #imissmymama #natividadramos @mamatamaler (at Earth) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxYKrDshAzT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1us33ipi70wln

[tinatamale]

Earlier today I was I introduced to a Laguna Indian tradition very similar to #dayofthedead by @kumaoakland. It calls for everyone to have two birthdays, one when we are born to Earth and a second called spiritual birthday when our soul descends to Heaven. This brought me a feeling of incredible lightness today. While mama taught me not to fear death, her transition has been heavy. All of your support, a call for #cake, & discovering more to honor & celebrate for mama & ourselves made my visit to the cemetery more tranquil. Gracias for your kind words, amor & encouragement. #imissmymama #natividadramos #oakland #mamatamale (at Oakland, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpTgygDlc_7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=13b3dthcjoqyb