We’ve been in Texas for just over two weeks now. The time has gone by incredibly fast, but at the same time, the hot summer days seem to last forever! The purpose of our trip was twofold: 1) To attend my sister’s wedding, and 2) To say goodbye to my grandma – my abuelita – who is dying of cancer.
We flew in early on a Saturday morning, just a few hours before the wedding was supposed to begin, crossing my fingers and toes that our plane wouldn’t be delayed. As I rushed to claim our baggage with Maya and Maura in tow, little did we know that there would be no wedding. My sister called it off an hour before the ceremony was to start.
I’m not going to go into why, as that’s no one’s business but hers, but I will say that she was beyond devastated. I hadn’t seen her in that much pain ever.
Later that night, as I reflected on the events (or lack thereof) that day, I thought of this song. I love my little sis so much, but felt so helpless that day, doing nothing more than offering hugs and a shoulder to cry on. I hope that was enough… these lyrics say more than I ever could. The perfect song for such a sad situation.
ABBA “Chiquitita”
Chiquitita, tell me what’s wrong
You’re enchained by your own sorrow
In your eyes there is no hope for tomorrow
How I hate to see you like this
There is no way you can deny it
I can see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet
Chiquitita, tell me the truth
I’m a shoulder you can cry on
Your best friend, I’m the one you must rely on
You were always sure of yourself
Now I see you’ve broken a feather
I hope we can patch it up together
Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they’re leaving
You’ll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving
Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
So the walls came tumbling down
And your love’s a blown out candle
All is gone and it seems too hard to handle
Chiquitita, tell me the truth
There is no way you can deny it
I see that you’re oh so sad, so quiet
Chiquitita, you and I know
How the heartaches come and they go and the scars they’re leaving
You’ll be dancing once again and the pain will end
You will have no time for grieving
Chiquitita, you and I cry
But the sun is still in the sky and shining above you
Let me hear you sing once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Try once more like you did before
Sing a new song, chiquitita
Aw, how sad. But it might be for the best. Your sister has tons of courage to call it off. You are a good big sis and I am sure your sister is grateful for the shoulder to cry on.
So many things move me on a daily basis. I guess I’m especially touched right now by spending time with my family. I love them all so much and appreciate every second I have with each and everyone of them.
So, so sorry for your sister. Tell her that nada viene que por bien no sea.
What I love about Chiquitica is that it came out when so few mainstream songs had Spanish in them — and no real mainstream singer was Latino, as far as I know/remember.
I remember being so amazed that someone on the radio was saying a Spanish word.
besos to your family.
What a sad song but also so perfect for your sister. I know you’re a good big sister and would love to fix everything that is causing her pain, but she’ll be ok. She has LOTS of loved ones. PS. Remember the Menudo group – they sang this song too.
La pobre. I hope your sister finds peace in all the chaos I’m sure she feels right now. You’re a good sister for being there for her. When words can’t fix the problem, being a shoulder to cry on is the next most comforting thing. Abrazos to you both.