A mother, a warrior

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Morales was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. She was the epitome of a Caribbean woman with a strong character, a fearless fighter. She was a born saleswoman. She once sold a pair of shoes as she was waiting for the bus at the bus stop. Someone who would do anything she could for her siblings. She loved her siblings with all her heart even through tough and challenging times. Her siblings Esther Cruz, Jose Cruz and Margie Cruz Laboy together with her parents Longino Cruz and Reinelia Laboy enjoyed her sense of humor and loved her unconditionally.

One day, a young man was visiting the local church with his friends who invited him. This young man was smitten by her beauty from day one. But Elizabeth was a shy person that at the moment did not noticed him. This young man kept going to the same church to learn more about God. He also got to know this beautiful, Christian young woman. After courtship and an interesting proposal, she said yes, and they were married on December 12, 1976. Since that day, Elizabeth and her husband Ramon Morales were inseparable. They were together for 41 glorious years of marriage. Ramon will continue to carry her torch in this Olympic race called life.

They weathered many storms and were never supposed to have children. Elizabeth Morales gave birth to her only child, her son, Xavier Morales. The family endured many health scares with Xavier, but Elizabeth was a mother like none other. She was very loving one who cared and protected her son endlessly. She taught Xavier much about life and how to belong to "team never quit". She showed him how to endure adversities with his head held up high. She was there for him day and night. No matter how far he was, he could always call his loving "mami". He was her baby boy, her pride and joy. She also gained a daughter in Xavier's wife, Brittany Hill-Morales and two wonderful granddaughters Andrea and Xiana Morales who will carry her legacy, dreams and goals.

I, Xavier Morales, have the privilege of writing this to honor my mother. "Mami, I and the rest of the family will miss you terribly". But rest assured we will do what you wanted us to do which is celebrate your life, push through life, persevere through life, and above all serve God in our lives. Until we meet again, please take your well-deserved rest. We will hold down the fort. We will continue to make you proud. All of us will stick together and your granddaughters will always remember the blood that runs through their veins is that of a wonderful loving woman, a true warrior.