Sharon Quesada, 71, who has lived in Union City since 1972, says she has been going to the city’s senior events since one of her children passed away, and another lost contact with her.
She was happy to attend the city’s Mother’s Day luncheon last Saturday at Colin Powell elementary school.
“I had a funny pregnancy,” she said, remembering the highlights of her decades of motherhood. “I almost had my son in the house I lived in in Maryland.”
She got to the hospital just in time. “It was an easy delivery, though, almost no pain,” she added.
She said she loves living in Union City, “I like being around people here,” she said. “They’re nice. Some strangers here treat me better than family.”
The luncheon drew approximately 100 seniors. They were treated to free lunch and greeted with a single rose by the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers who attend Union City High School.
“I like being around people here, they’re nice.” — Sharon Quesada, 71
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Another mother, Rosemarie Carrion, 66, said she has four kids who all live away now, so she and her husband went to the luncheon together. “I love having a family and being there for each other,” she said.
She added, “I love being a grandmother even more.” The couple sees their three grandchildren, 10, 8, and 6, at least once a month.
“The biggest challenge I had as a mother was making sure [my children] got a good education by finishing high school and college, and keeping them out of trouble,” she said.
Carrion added that she also goes to lots of senior events in Union City, including ceramics, yoga, and exercise classes. “I know a lot of people here today,” she said.
Appreciation
Carrion observed that Mayor Brian Stack, who was sick last weekend, was not there.
“I like that the mayor celebrates with us. I know he just lost his mom last year, so I know he must be feeling lost, because the first year of a holiday is always the hardest after that,” she said.
Rosita Cisneros, 70, was at the event for the first time. “My friend invited me, and I really love it,” she said.
“I wish the best for all mothers,” she added. “I love being a mother, because I love everybody.”
Samantha Meyers can be reached at samantham@hudsonreporter.com .