super{set} reposted this
Born in La Espora, a community of mostly undocumented Mexican immigrants working for the railroad in Albuquerque, my Mom, Rose Chavez, was the last of eleven children. Her parents were orphans: her dad, an Aztec Indian from Mexico who worked for the railroad, her Mom a Basque girl from a tiny, barely existent village in northern Spain. Their first house, a wooden claptrap where Rose was born, had no electricity or running water. The family saved some money and moved to a nicer place, a plain but sturdy adobe house, with running water. They were happy. Until the city put a sewer plant in their back yard. It was a spherical contraption that looked like a huge spaceship from outer space, and it swamped the view from the kitchen. Just as soon as they thought they’d taken a step up, the whole family was literally engulfed in shit. Rose did what she always did when faced with the squalid reality of her family’s poverty: she swallowed hard and swore never to forget. And she quietly began chiseling away at a plan to change the odds. She became the first person in her family of eleven kids to graduate from high school and to take a professional job at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. She had the insane good luck to meet my dashing father, Ray, at a dance on the base. After marrying Ray, she prayed for 10 kids, and vowed that she'd send them all to Harvard so they'd enjoy the opportunities she never had. The good Lord saw fit to give her just five kids. But she did send every one of them to Harvard, and the five of us have indeed been blessed with absurd opportunities. The biggest blessing of all, of course, was having her as my mom. I’ve said that, with more chances, my Mom would be the CEO of Microsoft and run Amazon as a side hustle. She’s a model of love, faith and fierce conviction. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms -- but Rose Chavez, in particular.
Tom I love a lot of your posts here, but the ones about your mom are next level.
This is love at it's best. Unconditional, selfless love. You and your siblings are blessed beyond anyone's dreams with a Mom and Dad like you have. And what a beautiful family you have. 😍
Such an inspirational story Tom. I still remember when you told the story at LBAN Stanford University Graduate School of Business
Tom Chavez, someone told me this story, and it is even more remarkable to have you tell it. Your parents are amazing, and it is evident that you are a true reflection of your family. Bravo to you.
incredible mom and incredible legacy. <3. Thank you for sharing!
It’s striking how one person, with a strong conviction and a clear vision, can change the trajectory for so many and create that much impact. Bravo Rose 👏#sisepuede
Seems like your dad was the lucky one, she sounds amazing!
My favorite post of all time
CEO @ Alpha & Co. • Tech, Media & Marketing Executive • Board Director & Advisor • Entrepreneur & Investor • Co-Host @ Brand New Podcast
5moLOVE this Tom Chavez - what a beautiful tribute