~~August 24, 2016~~
THE MONICA EFFECT
As we look back and reflect on Mónica’s Olympic Gold medal win, we can’t help but feel amazed, proud and inspired.
This is the first time Puerto Rico, as an independent sports entity, wins an Olympic Gold Medal.
Mónica is surely an example for many.
Here’s an open letter that a father wrote to Mónica.
It’s been translated from Spanish to English by the Google Browser.
There could be some grammatical errors.
As a Puerto Rican, I get its feeling and feel its huge power.
HortyRex©
“ESTOS SON OTROS $20 PESOS”
8/18/2016
Open Letter to Mónica Puig
“I confess that the best of the day was to see my little girl’s eyes fixed on you”
Beyond Gold …
On Saturday, August 13, 2016, you gave Puerto Rico its first gold medal in the Olympic Games. It was the first time the Borinqueña (National Anthem) was heard and the first time the Puerto Rican flag was raised in the number one spot. It was a first, in a long time, that all Puerto Ricans on the island and off the island joined in an embrace.
Mónica, it was also the first time my 10 year old daughter identified a heroine carrying our flag. It was also the first time I could understand the pride of being Boricua at its best. That moment will be unforgettable for all of us and it forced me to explain to my child what it means to be proud of their origin.
I am part of the diaspora.
Seven years ago, I moved with my family to the United States. My girl arrived when she was 4 years old, not knowing English. Since then she has been bombarded by the American media, the daily lives of her friends and what they learn in school. It has been difficult to keep our Boricua identity and Spanish not sound like McDowell (our American weather man of long time ago) .
But we insist and seek every opportunity to remind her where it comes from and why that makes it special. Thank God, it is very clear.
There’s also the issue of empowerment as a woman. She needs to understand that everything is possible and that there are no limitations but this is a complicated world. Girl Power is not only Taylor Swift winning Grammys or the girls dancing in Dance Moms. A woman is a candidate for the US presidency for the first time. This shows that anything is possible and we will be there to support Hillary in what she proposes.
Rio 2016
Then came the Olympics in Rio. The coverage on TV looked more like the Michael Phelps and Simone Biles Show. I don’t mean to take anything to take from these great champions. Their achievements are impressive example of perseverance and dedication to universal values.
Chévere, cool … but there are 50 stars more than you would see on their flag when they play the national anthem. This is not a matter of politics. When it comes to compete, I’m rooting for my team with all the enthusiasm I can muster, with an indescribable passion that confirms love for my country.
Then you came.
Breaking “stones” (#PicaPwer) through the Olympic tournament. Defeating rivals who had more ranking, taking collective punishment for your country with every service, every forehand and every backhand. Advocating with a racket what others have been unable to defend.
Proving that national pride has more power than money, rankings and misconceptions.
Mónica, with all the love that I have for you, I confess that that the best of the day of my life was to see my child’s eyes fixed on you, believing it was possible. Creating new paradigms in her head with every point that you won. She identified role models. You did this without underestimating anyone, elegantly, with courage, with tenacity but with the inescapable conviction that beyond what is said, what is published, what news outlets comment, Puerto Ricans are big.
Mónica, you helped my child understand that nothing is impossible, no one is better than anyone, that there is a greater love … for the land which you were born.
Thanks Mónica.
Thank you for what you did for my child. Thank you representing our people and giving them hope again. My Mariana was not in this world when Carlos Arroyo and the other eleven defeated the Dream Team (basketball) in the Athens Olympics, but she witnessed your deed.
Now, for you, for Mariana and Puerto Rico, everything is possible.
Ervin Rodríguez
August 2016
“As it appears in … full read/full credit … Spanish version”
~~GRAPHICS SOURCE~~
Google Images
Mónica Puig’s Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/MonicaAce93/?fref=ts
Mónica’s Twitter Account
I do not own these images.
No intention of taking credit.
If anyone knows the owner of any, please advise and it will be corrected immediately.
HortyRex©
~~GALLERY~~
#MonicaEffect #AFathersOpenLetter #PuertoRicanMoment #Boricua #PuertoRican #AlwaysBoricua #PuertoRicanPride #ProudPuertoRican #PuertoRicanFlag #AwesomeGraphic #MonicaPuig #OlympicHistory #PuertoRicosFirstGoldMedal #OlympicGold #TennisStar #WomensSinglesTournament #RiosSummerOlympics #Saturday #LGBTPuertoRico #AngeliqueKerber #OrgulloBoricuaDelTennis #PicaPower
#WeAllAreOne #ItIsWhatItIs #DrRex #HortyRex #hrexach
We ALL are connected through HUMANITY!!
We ALL are ONE!!
