Education is power and love is everything

A son’s tribute to Michelle Espinoza

By Miguel Espinoza

My mother Michelle Espinoza was born in Abilene, Texas. She married my father Gustavo Espinoza and had three sons in Abilene.

Miguel Espinoza, center, poses for a picture with his parents, Michelle and Gustavo, at his wedding last year.

The love for education runs deep in her heart as she received her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies, master’s in Gerontology, and master’s in Higher Education all from Abilene Christian University.

As the youngest son of my mother, I believe that I had a unique perspective to see a woman work so hard and love her family as much as she did without ever complaining or missing anything.

My mother was room parent for each of my brother’s grade school classes, going to university, working, and doing the job that we all know mothers do (everything). I still remember sitting in college classes with my mother at ACU and all the students being so excited to see me there with my Batman toy (I thought college was awesome).

I would have my stack of coloring books and a couple of toys to keep me busy, and I still remember practicing to write my name tracing over my mother’s handwriting.

I have countless stories of the great memories that I have of spending time with my mother as a kid. My mother was so much fun that I remember going to school was something I dreaded as a kid. There was absolutely nothing bad about the school day, but it did not even come close to joy I had playing games, doing science experiments at home, and tagging along with my mother to the next adventure.

Of all the things my mother did for her family, from the cooking, cleaning, attending sporting events, patching up every cut and scrape I had as kid, I would regret not telling of the greatest gift my mother gave me, and that is my faith in God. I cannot express how great it was to have a mother read the Bible to my brothers and I as kids. She taught us how to pray, took us to church, and made sure we knew who Jesus was. To this very day I am always sure to tell my mother how much I appreciate her planting the seed of faith that would determine the type of man that I would strive to be.

My parents have always worked multiple jobs to support our family. I watched my mother take on various side jobs just to make sure that her children had everything we needed. My brother’s and I drove the more reliable cars, got to go to school shopping every year, and were constantly prioritized in the family.

Each year that goes by I gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for everything my mother has sacrificed for me. I know there is not a check I could write that would ever be enough to pay her back for every sacrifice and the amount of love that I receive from my mother. I am truly blessed, and I am incredibly thankful to God for giving me the amazing mother that I have.
The last thing that I must mention about my mother is her love for education. My mother’s famous family quote is that “Education is power.”

She always pushed us to be life-time learners that know the importance of education. It is rooted in the value God calls those who are strong to help those who lack strength and calls those with wisdom to guide and teach others that have not had the opportunity to learn.

My mother wanted my brothers and me to be educated, but she also wanted us to use it for good. She checked in on my brothers and me as all three of us attended Abilene Christian University and always made sure we had what we needed so that we could focus on our goals to obtain a better future for our future families. My mother not only set the example for the relentless pursuit of education, but she also guided us to be able to achieve the same goal.

I count it as a blessing to be able to share a little about the amazing faith filled woman that I have as a mother. I hope when she reads this that it brings her joy and reminds her how much I love and appreciate her being in my life.

I wish my mother, Michelle Espinoza, a very Happy Mother’s Day.