Know your worth Article 1 Elaine Elle Espinosa ©️2026 all right reserved

This is an experience my mother unfortunately endured very harshly.

In 1976

In 1976, my mother traveled from New Jersey to California because my father was already there and working at the time. Unfortunately, my mother was not alone; she traveled with her younger sister, who, in less than a year, would become my father's mistress.

I was six when I witnessed and remembered this entire scenario.

My mother was working the graveyard shift but came home early from work. Unfortunately, on her way home, she caught the two of them in bed. It was not an ideal way to receive a welcome, but it happened.

This led to a divorce, during which my father took full custody of me in order to avoid child support. My mother, unfortunately, ended up paying child support without knowing that my father's mistress was about to orchestrate the most damaging emotional and psychological manipulation.

Knowing her own sister had betrayed her led to decades of emotional trauma, severe mental strain, and fragile health.

My mother worked hard, while her sister and my father enjoyed the benefits of travel, financial stability, and a more comfortable lifestyle. Meanwhile, I became a survivor of emotional and psychological abuse at the hands of my stepmother-my aunt-though it is still difficult to define what role she truly played. She was able to convince others that she was the victim, when in reality, my mother suffered the most.

My stepmother was manipulative, deceptive, and deeply controlling. Her behavior allowed her to convince many people that she was the victim, when in truth, my mother carried the deepest pain and loss.

How Do We Value and Respect Ourselves?

So, in conclusion: how do we value and respect ourselves? How do we recognize our worth and stand in it fully? How do we fight in a civilized way, move forward, and prioritize ourselves? How do we, as women, say "enough is enough" and detach from toxic family members? And how do we protect our children and create a positive environment while dealing with our own mental and emotional struggles?

I remember telling my mother before she passed away that when she meets God and is given another opportunity in life, she should remember me-and know that I wanted her to succeed. To work out at the gym, to travel, to live freely, to become Miss Peru 🇵🇪-to embrace every opportunity she had before becoming a mother. I told her to live fully, because youth is brief.

I also told her that when a man disrespects her, she should walk away. Her self-worth is more important. Her future is more important. And if someone leaves, she should not look back-only move forward.

My mother embraced me before she passed away at the age of 85 in 2025. Rest in peace, my beautiful mommy. Your crown is now carried with me.

These are the difficult truths of life, and they are why women must become more aware, more educated, and more empowered than ever before.

Follow your dreams. Do not put them on hold for a boyfriend, fiancé, or anyone who holds you back. Because once your life is on pause, it becomes very difficult to return to where you left off.

I hope my mother's experience serves as an example of what not to accept, and a reminder to always place your worth on your own side-because no one will respect you until you respect yourself.

By Elaine Elle Espinosa 💖

Miss Puerto Rico EUCA 2027

June 2026 Article 1