Mama Norma Stories

Ely and Norma worked as telephone operators and 0.8 km away from each other’s workplace when the stars aligned for them. They met through a common friend, Dad’s former girlfriend to be exact, who introduced them. Soon they became phone pals and the rest is party line history.

Our father developed tuberculosis during his late 20’s and was often in the hospital. He overheard one nurse asked Mama, “Why do you keep on visiting him? Find another one, you’re just wasting your time because he will die soon.” Mama stood by his side, brought him food, didn’t mind if he was contagious and helped him recuperate until he got stronger. Love in the time of TB.  A scarred lung is no match for beating hearts.

Ely (4th from left) and Norma (5th from left)

Ely and Norma in Bel-Air – their home and office for four decades

During the 1960’s when young women were mostly full-time homemakers, Mama took up a secretarial course and became the family’s breadwinner. She had to take care of her mother Celing and aunt Tess after a sad separation from her father. This resilience amidst life’s challenges is one of her most admirable character traits. She always bounced back and faced another day.

One of her favorite tales was on her way to a job interview, the heel of her shoes split open and she had to walk barefoot just to make it on time. She got that role. Mama was quite good because she received endorsements from former employers as she transitioned from one job to another.

Her work involved being a telephone operator, secretary and a typist. As someone who loved talking to people, this role fits her perfectly. Her speaking voice has a certain cadence, not too low or high-pitched. It is soothing to the ears. In an era of mobile phones, a switchboard is a museum piece. This is a machine which the telephone operator or cable girl used to literally attach wires to enable both caller and receiver to engage in conversation. Google it.

Since Ma’s workplace was also situated in our house, I’d like to think that our parents were the pioneers of WHF set-up. My favorite childhood memory was going down one floor to her work area aka the switchboard booth and plopped beside the huge machine while reading a book. She would greet all tenants and guests since her area was near the elevator. She knew them by heart. All nine floor building residents, their families and frequent visitors.

This was her work for more than 30 years. The switchboard was also the reason how Dad met our mother. Thank you, God. Kudos to you too Alexander Graham Bell.

Our mother’s life unfolded like a telenovela story, with plot twists, struggles and redemption. The writing is not going to be in chronological order because it’s a work in progress. I will focus more on stories about her, some I witnessed, some from my father and siblings, some passed on to me by those whose lives she touched in some significant way.

Norma grew up in the northern part of the country by the beach surrounded by her family and cousins from both sides of her parents. She was outgoing, the life of the party and she loved entertaining people. Mama knew how to sing, dance and play instruments. She celebrated life loud.

From left: Cecilia (mother), siblings Feliciano, Rogelio, Norma, Romeo and Pedro (father)

A teenager