Dear Mamá,
I would like to know what is the “empty nest?” I heard two middle-aged women talking at the bus stop on 24th and Mission streets the other day. One of them was saying how sad she feels almost every day since her only child moved away from home to go to college. She said she was not prepared for feeling so lonely living in her empty nest now. Is this common for all women?
—Curious Canary
Dear Canary,
The “empty nest” refers to changes in the American family home unit when the children grow-up, move away, and begin to live their own lives. In Latino culture, our “nest” is never empty. It’s sort of like the glass being half full, especially when it’s time to give a brindis for abuelito’s 92nd birthday. There’s a reason why we always say. “Mi casa es tu casa.” The more the merrier and the many blessings children give our families live on forever.
Dear Mamá,
Why do we say “hella” in the SF Bay Area? My new friend from Los Angeles says that I talk funny because where he’s from they don’t say that.
—Mr. Webster
Dear Mr. Webster,
English is such a curious and regional language. Just continue talking your way and be proud of claiming La Misión as your hood, dude!