In her discussion of “Los Abuelos” from the 2003 publication “Santa Barraza: Artist of the Borderlands,” the artist reveals the work’s deeply personal and symbolic nature. The central image is a photograph of her maternal grandparents, Expectación and Andrea, during their courtship, holding hands gently. "Andrea’s fingers softly rest in Expectación’s palm, as he affectionately leans his head toward her. Behind them, floating in the clouds, is an image of La Virgen de Guadalupe. The couple is framed with a border of hearts. Two soldaderas stand guard in front of the frame. A maguey plant grows on the ground where the soldaderas stand. A warm yellow field representing sacrifice surrounds the entire piece. The work is enclosed by a satin ribbon border and decorated with metal milagros (votive charms). I aimed to convey the importance and warmth of a family, supported by the unbreakable strength of women. In this work, the soldaderas become symbolic of the Virgin, as they take on the role of heralding a nationalistic era and protecting their families and homeland. My interest in shamanism/curanderismo is expressed through silver milagros, or votive charms."