by Rich My Family’s Path
The ConTextos Authors Circle was developed in collaboration with young people at-risk of, victims of, or perpetrators of violence in El Salvador. In 2017 this innovative program expanded into Chicago to create tangible, high quality opportunities that nourish the minds, expand the voices and share the personal truths of individuals who have long been underserved and underestimated. Through the process of drafting, revising and publishing memoirs, participants develop self-reflection, critical thinking, camaraderie and positive self-projection to author new life narratives.
Since January 2017 ConTextos has partnered with Cook County Sheriff's Office to implement Authors Circle in Cook County Department of Corrections as part of a vision for reform that recognizes the value of mental health, rehabilitation and reflection. These powerful memoirs complicate the narratives of violence and peace building, and help author a hopeful future for human beings behind walls, their families and our collective communities.
While each author’s text is solely the work of the Author, the image used to create this book’s illustrations have been sourced by various print publications. Authors curate these images and then, using only their hands, manipulate the images through tearing, folding, layering and careful positioning. By applying these collage techniques, Authors transform their written memoirs into illustrated books.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ALN 21.027 awarded to Cook County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
My Family’s Path
Rich
I would like to write about my family and their past, also what they've been through as where they came from, and where they're at now. Pain motivates.
Let me start by saying, I love my parents, even though I was a misplace in their lives as well as they were in mine. But I can remember back to when I was a kid and how things were.
Things were cheaper, but still a little hard! Minimum wage was six dollars and seventy-five cents. My mom was working at a fast food joint, and my dad was not working. So, my mom is busting her ass and also the breadwinner.
They had two cars, a Buick LeSabre. We had our own apartment, two bedrooms. I just know my parents have been through a lot to get where they are now.
My mom was a nurse making good money at first, that's how we got our place, then shit started hitting the fan and my mom lost her job, then lost our place, so we moved in with our grandparents.
That’s when my mom started working fast food. It was a struggle, but she made it work. Not only that, she became pregnant with my little sister and then shit got heavier.
We were going through cars, then we finally got a van by this time. By this time, I was older, seeing things differently, not caring or trying to help.
I regret it; if only I knew what I know now, back then. Then my mom had my baby brother. It was messed up, but she still managed. As for my dad, he was still here helping and watching us. He wasn’t working at the time, so it was hard.
Four kids, one job, then that's when W.I.C. and food stamps came in. Well, I’m guessing it did help. I remember my mom giving me a book of stamps to get groceries. Later, my mom got her job back as a nurse.
There were a few times I got some new clothes, got to go to Chuckie Cheese, the movies, and eat outside food, you know how it goes. By this time, I was much older, and I didn’t care what people thought or said or liked; it didn't bother me.
Also my parents were doing what they had to do to support us. My parents had always tried hard, but my mother has played a dominant role.
That's when my parents had gotten more relaxed and the kids had gotten older, then I disappeared and came to jail. Even in prison, my parents were still there for me.
Then she had less to worry about. Since then, my mom has been at her job for more than twenty years. As for everything else, it seems to be in play. For now, they got their own place, and ride, just to see where they’ve come from, is a long journey.
But I am happy for them and look forward to what the future holds for them; they deserve it. My mom is a hard worker; her whole life, she worked not only to work, but for us, herself, and my dad as well.
They have been there for us and me. To see them like this and better is a good thing, and I am happy for them.
My people are from the south side/Southwest. I was 14 through school had a work permit, rode my bike 6 miles there and back but I was already running the streets before that. This time is different why because I am older and my people are older and sick plus I was helping them out not that they needed it but me just doing me and giving a little kick back cuz I can lol!
Also I became a little more open with them as well. I never really talked about it or showed it, why cuz I got that part of me caged up. I learned how to work with myself, that's what I mean I didn't care about when I was young cuz I would just react and plus what people thought or said don't bother me, why, cuz they’re no better so that's why they judge and most of them portray themselves as something they're not. They put on a disguise or Persona cuz I know where I come from and what I got, hard work!
When I disappeared and went to prison I don't know how it affected my parents and sometimes I never asked that cuz it would affect me and I will react in a different way cuz me knowing that I f***** up and let them down just like now this is why it hit me differently. This time I feel it because before was cold as ice.
MaybeI thought it was less for them to worry about when I was in prison but maybe not. Miss me, need my help, or just to have me around. When I was in 24 hour lockdown housed alone something clicked in my head to motivate me to change and come along to be a better person something lifted off of me every action has a reaction now I think of the reaction and what I came from that also it would make me a little more clear-headed; 2019 the turning point.
My mom has worked hard her whole life and me I've worked but most of my life I spent in prison. But now I’m here and I am working my ass off to help my parents not only that but for me as well. I can’t stop working. My parents are devoted they been there for me and my other siblings. Well there was always and has been a relationship but I guess you can say it was at distance. Why, I don't quite know and I still haven't figured that out. But now it feels a little different.
You can say maybe I am older they’re getting old plus I was never around long enough to build a relationship with them. I was in prison damn near my whole life.
Also they are sick now you don't know what you have until it's gone that's what has shifted in me. I guess you can say there is an emotional side in me when it comes to my family LOL cuz my whole life I've never felt any or had any feelings.
My parents have always been first.
I appreciate them for doing what they have done.
It’s not easy as an adult. Now I understand it all a little more better now.
My truth is to go home and spend quality time with my family, relax and continue where I left off at working my good job, making money, enjoying life. My journey of transformation is to change my ways, become a better person and spread the love and kindness and be the man I should have been years ago to keeping my freedom and staying out of prison. See you on the other side I love you Mom, Dad and Lucha!
Until the lion learns to write their own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter - African Proverb
