Sonia Serna (50 over 50 Vol. 2)
This is a story of love and loss, illness and wellness, recovery and rediscovery of a new life.
When Sonia was seven and living in Mexico, her father left the family and took their money with him. Out of five children, Sonia was second to youngest. Because her mother and older siblings needed to work to support the family, Sonia was left in charge of her younger brother who had special needs.
In this very moment, she went from being an innocent child to functioning as an adult.
Barely able to reach the kitchen counters, Sonia was tasked with cooking and cleaning for her family, in addition to caring for her younger brother, while they were at work. She remembers feeling very sad. No more playing. No more school. No more toys. Only work. Life never returned to the childhood she once knew.
“The hardest part of the photo shoot was being vulnerable. It was also emotional for me to see the final photographs during the reveal session. I felt so beautiful that day and the photographs revealed that. ”
Fast forward to 1993. Sonia immigrated to the United States with her husband. In 2004, they moved to Richmond with their four children. Sonia sacrificed herself and the abuse given in the marriage, so that her children did not have the same situation she did as a child. But in 2008 life mirrored her childhood—Sonia’s husband left, taking the family funds with him and leaving her to raise the children. Then in her 40’s she suffered a heart attack. Once again, she had to start from zero and forge ahead. She was now a single woman and a mother. Despite her circumstances, Sonia celebrated that she raised her family.
When talking about her life, Sonia says these experiences shaped her into a strong woman. She has no regrets and is grateful for the love of her children and six grandchildren. Today, she enjoys less drama and more peace.
Recently, Sonia was awarded Employee of the Month at her job in Environmental Services. She embodies the values cherished at her place of employment.
“Sonia always goes the extra mile for all of us. She is a true asset.”
“She is always polite, pleasant, and cheerful to the residents and her co-workers.”
“Sonia is always willing to help out wherever she is needed.”
“Sonia does not know a stranger and is always welcoming to everyone in the community whether it be a new prospect or a fellow
co-worker or resident.”
“Sonia Serna is someone who truly loves her job and loves our community. She takes pride in her work and demonstrates her love in the
way she does her job every day. She’s cheerful and deeply cares about the residents
“I want to continue to motivate women to truly love themselves. Our past doesn’t matter. As women, we are courageous and warriors!””
Advice to her 20 year old self: I would tell young me that there is nothing to worry about, I love myself as I am at this age over 50! The best thing about this age is that each day I learn from my own mistakes, I learn to appreciate those around me that love me and I know my self worth!”