It was a day like any other when I received a call from my mother. She was visiting in Puerto Rico and this was her daily call to say hello and give me an update on the family. As we talked about the different events going on that week, she began to tell me that my aunt mentioned how the roosters sounded like they were saying, "Puerto Ricooo!" My mom put the phone on speaker and let me hear the roosters crowing. "You should write a book about that," she said. That night, inspiration struck! I imagined the sounds of the roosters on that hill and I remembered the creek by my grandparent's house. The overwhelming sadness of being in Florida without being able to watch my grandparents grow old filled my heart. And that is the place from which Ramonita was born, a place of longing, love, and care. 

I love you very much Abuelito Freddy, Abuelita Emma, y Abuelita Ceci.