Thread by @LATBermudez

My mom cleaned houses for many years. Her clients were busy people who rarely paused to learn anything about her. Once, she took the @latimes to work & proudly showed off one of my front page stories. “My daughter,” she said pointing to my name. Her client couldn’t believe it.

That day, she came home so happy. “You should have seen the look on the señora’s face,” she told me. “She asked me all about you & your work. She wanted to know how you got your job & if I was proud of you...I said yes, of course. Very proud.”

My mom used to love telling that story. Still does. It’s one of the few times — in all her years of scrubbing, washing, dusting, bringing home old, discarded furniture from Americanos’ houses — that she actually felt seen. Someone understood her worth.

If you have someone caring for your house, your kids, your garden; washing your car, cooking your food, clearing your table ... take a moment and ask them how they’re doing. Ask about their children. It’s the only way to truly understand just how much their hard work is worth.

I’d love to hear about you. What jobs did ur parents work to get you where you are today? Here’s mine:

Mom:
Factory worker
Dry cleaner worker
Nanny
Housekeeper

Dad:
Machine operator
Truck Driver

My job: Narrative Journalist @latimes

*Quote this tweet with ur response🎉

*Her purpose and her worth ❤️

@latimes Each response to this thread has been a gift. I've tried to read each one, to picture all your journeys, your loved ones' journeys. We've come a long way ... and we're still rising. Thank you so much.

#OnTheirShoulders

@latimes You guys are coming through with the photos! Keep them coming ❤️🙌

https://twitter.com/joyvaleriee/status/1204648903502704640?s=20

Ur stories are humbling, fascinating, heartbreakin, some laugh-out loud funny. Please record ur parents’ journeys. Write them down 4 future generations so they never forget where they came from. Write a book. Yes, a book. We hardly c these characters in books. We need more 🥳

The number one thing I’ll always remember about this thread:

You’re all profoundly proud of your parents.

#OnTheirShoulders