BIRDS. BIRDS. MOCKING BIRDS

30 May

Felix called yesterday morning; could he change Maria’s appointment type? He has had a very busy week. I told him that we were bringing her up to stay the night. He said Friday a.m. would be good. We all are racing against the clock; Maria’s braces are almost completely useless.

Maria was waiting when we arrived. Dressed in one of her pretty blue dresses, her favorite color, she looked different somehow. She had lost weight. Dr. Foster told her to lose weight and she was. We brought more clothes for her to sell out in front of her house. Last week she sold enough to buy a gallon of milk and other food. $3 for a pair of boots and $2 for a pair of lady’s shoes. Every little bit helps her stay away from the border. Sunday she earned $15 at the border. She was very happy. “Boys, do not worry about your mother, she will return tomorrow. Get to school on time and be good.”

Due to the changed appointment, we drove directly to our house. She commented often on how beautiful and green everything was.” Is that an airport over there? Is it for small planes?” Yes, Montgomery Field. How did she know it was only for light aviation? “This is a very long trip. How far do you live from downtown? ‘’20 miles. It is a great distance for one who never travels more than 1 mile. The closer we came to Rancho Bernardo the more she was taken back by all the greenery and homes and stores. As we entered our garage she said that this was a perfect size for a house. Less than 400 sq. ft. was just right for Maria’s needs. Our house was a palace she said. She missed not a detail; woodwork, fireplace, 32

ceramic tile, ceilings, everything! This is your room, Maria. Meg slept here before. Then Karina, Elva, Cuca, Christina, and on and on. Our quiet, little hotel. Quiet. Right! “Tomorrow I will wash and do my hair. Ok?”! do not know how but she did. Would you like to hear Mexican music? “No, I want to chat with you. “Would you like to watch Mexican tv. “No, I want only to talk with you and Magie.” I did persuade her to call Cuca at her SD workplace. She just loves Cuca as we do also. They enjoy telling each other about their lives and adventures. Cuca was surprised and they had a nice talk. It was a beautiful night so we ate out on the patio. Hamburgers and green salad. Maria had never eaten Romaine or green leaf lettuce. Marge’s homemade salad dressing was a big favorite for her. Maria was in another world. The green grass, the rabbits eating the green grass, the doves, and her favorite, the crickets. “Lentamente, amiga, lentamente.” Eat slowly, and enjoy everything. Before we realized it was 9 pm, Maria was very tired. Her day begins at 6 am and ends at 8. No desert, she was full and tired. Sleep well Maria, we love you.

She was up at 7, rattling around in the bathroom. Actually, she was very quiet. When she came out her hair was damp yet clean. She was worried the night before about her hair being dirty. She smelled the ends and was satisfied that it was clean.” Magie, your soap is beautiful and it smells so nice.” How did you sleep, amiga? That opened the door to quite a tale. “I slept well until the birds started to sing and scream. The mocking birds, the doves, the crows, they all were very noisy.” They awoke Marge also. There are no wild birds in her area. I felt sorry for her; she needed the rest. That’s ok, she can rest this weekend. Our good friends, Jane and Jim came over to meet Maria and have brunch. Despite the language barrier, they had lots of fun with her. She is a very sociable lady. One whom you like immediately upon meeting. Maria had admired our collection of ceramics; gifts from our #1 son-in-law. One large pot, in particular, she seemed very interested in. 33

“When I was a little girl a very strange thing happened in my village. While digging and planting in the fields, two men found a clay pot full of gold coins from the past century. Villagers thought the Indians had hidden the gold there. The two men have overcome with happiness. One took the pot to his house with the understanding that they would divide it the next day. The next day, the man his family, and the donkeys were gone. Never were they seen again. This is the destiny of some people.” Before we left to see Felix, Jim, along with Maria, gave her $20. Later she told me of the gift.” Oh, I am so happy! I will not have to go to the border tomorrow and Sunday. It is so hot there and the fumes.”Jim and Jane are good people and have helped our friends many times. So it goes with many of our American friends.” David. Are you and Magie rich?” Not with money my friend.

Felix’s office is near Sharp Hospital. His company makes artificial limbs and braces. He has been doing this for over 20 years. A very skillful and detailed work. Some years ago, having seen many people on the streets without different limbs, he decided to make prostheses for the less fortunate.

He actually approached people and asked if they wanted a free leg. You can imagine the response he received. At the present time, he has a roomful of new and used parts. It resembles a mannequin factory. Maria’s braces will be re constructed with used braces. Americans are very wasteful he said. If new, hers would cost $1,200, he said. He gives his labor and all parts free. He is still looking for her orthopedic shoes; they will be very expensive. He and Dr. Foster will purchase them. They will be ready on 18 June. It will be a very exciting day for Maria. We plan to bring her over early, have a leisurely brunch, and then go to Vincent dePaul.

Our ride back to Tijuana was quiet. Maria was busy thinking about the last two days’ events. Besides, she told me that she did want to talk while I was driving; it would make me nervous. We 34

were well-armed with Marge’s cake. She brought some before to keep the boys happy. Now, we returned with more for them. They are feeling better about their mother’s trips. We had a big laugh when we entered her room. The boys had not arrived from school but her birds were waiting. The two small ones were walking around the outside of their cage. They were very quiet. Jose Luis, the large parakeet, turned his back to Maria and refused to acknowledge her return. She called to him but he ignored her. She was too tired to persist. They would come around tomorrow.

The land office is checking on her land and she will call them back this week. Manuel will go over to their church and ask if any of the priests speak English. We have much to talk about. I will struggle with my Spanish if they do not.

“Take care, Maria. We love you and will see you soon. If you have any problems or feel lonely, call us.”

Father Bruno. June 12.

On our way to visit Maria, we stopped at the church that serves as our landmark in the area. It is a very tall church with several smaller buildings surrounding it. The last time the priests were not in. This time we were in luck. The receptionist returned with an elderly, smiley man. Perhaps in his 70’s.

Father Bruno, founder, and pastor of San Ignacio de Loyola. We are all familiar with Ignatius.” I am not a Jesuit,” he told us. When he came to this heavily traveled corner 30 years ago, there was nothing here but empty fields. “The first several nights I slept under the stars. Later, I put up a tent for shelter and ate many meals with families in the neighborhood. Now, we have several buildings besides the church. Soon we will have a larger office for my helpers and me.” Indeed, the office he now has is about 6x6feet. His English is impeccable. I had prepared my talk in the event 35

no one spoke English. I feel so lacking when meeting one who is bilingual. It is a wonderful skill, to have the 2 languages. Anyway, Fr. Bruno finished his tale by telling us that he travels often in the US for a Catholic organization soliciting funds for the poor. One would never sleep during his sermons what with his robust voice.

Then we told him of our background in Mexico. The Habitat story. Everyone knows of the famous Jimmy Carter project our help with Shriners’ Hospital. I could tell he was waiting for the main point. Why did we come to see him? I told him about the foundation and its donation each year. Marge asked if he would be willing to accept this year’s donation. He was funny. He held out both hands and said, “when receiving a gift use two hands.” We choose his church because Maria lives close by. I explained how the donation is divided and delivered. No problem. In October, Father. At this point, he called in his assistant, Fr. Jesse. He speaks no English. A young, friendly man, we hit it off immediately. Fr. Bruno explained our purpose there. Fr. Jesse talked about a small mission he is starting some miles from the church. I told him that once the gift is received, it belongs to their church, no strings attached. “By the way, could you use some helpers in July?” Our youth group from San Rafael is coming down for one day.”We will find work for them.”

I talked briefly about our youth group some pages back. My first trip south in 1989, was with this group. Marie, the leader, and Fr. Dan G.. What a great experience for all of us! Most of all, for me. I have not looked back since. 20-30 teenagers, and several adults, we worked in Tecolote, digging foundations, pouring concrete, and laying blocks. I was in my element. The kids worked like slaves. An elementary school was in progress. The people cannot wait for the state to build.

They all helped, parents, students, neighbors, and teachers. At one point during the day, a very large pile of gravel had to be moved. 36

Shovels would take hours. One mother went across the street and literally dragged out a heavy equipment operator. “This is my day off, “he yelled.”Move that pile of gravel and then go back to your rest.”He did. After a long day, we went to a hostel-type building in the city of La Mesa, Tijuana. A hugh 2 story house, 3 full showers, dormitory, all the comforts of home. It was a memorable night. Everyone showered and we went out looking for a restaurant. We found a good roasted chicken place with all the various Mexican foods.

Later we walked the main boulevard observing the Saturday night activity. Everyone is out shopping, eating, singing, and driving like the Indy 500.0h, those drivers! Back at the hostel, Marie and Fr. Dan broke out their guitars, and soon everyone was caught up in the happy atmosphere. The next morning we ate a light breakfast and went to a nearby church for Mass. I could hardly wait to return for another work project. When Habitat began its housebuilding, I was all set. Our youth have returned several times and have always impressed me with their desire to help the poor in whatever way they can. When we returned to RB, one sees things in a different light. Running water, inside facilities electricity, heat, and on and on. Especially, the Greenery! Maria continually reminds me how green San Diego is. Nothing in Tijuana is green. Not even the lettuce!

June 12. Continued.

“What a miracle! “What do you mean, Maria? “You and Magie came to visit me.” The boys were at school and so her afternoons drag on slowly. We brought lots of things for her to sell, and also, gifts from her rapidly growing list of friends. Our neighbor, Jane, sent her $25. She had heard us talking the night we ate out on the patio. The Spanish voice told her that we were entertaining 37

someone from Mexico. Marge told her about Maria and she gave this gift. Maria was so pleased. “I will not go to the border this weekend. I am so embarrassed to beg for money.” I told her that sometimes it is good to go there if only to see your friends. She needs social contact.” Yes, with the ladies I enjoy visiting. The men, many of them are ‘groceros’ [crude]. Besides, I am lazy’. “Yes, if being confined to a wheelchair most of your life and raising two fine boys, is lazy, Maria is truly lazy! She opened the gift from Meg and Laurie. $15. This gift had strings attached; buy a pretty blue dress. Her size is difficult for Marge to find.”I will buy a dress for my next appointment.” Well, you do not have to hurry, my friend. Our #1 son-in-law, DAK, sent her a pretty blue, covered ceramic bowl and a blue cup. The rest of the cups and bowls were for her to sell. “How much should I sell them for?” May be $3 each for the cups. A real bargain. “Are they new?” Yes, they are new. The concept of new has a curious effect on Maria. I do not believe she covets new things. Perhaps, new strengthens her ego and builds her confidence. This poor, semi-literate girl is not so bad after all. “Look, I have new beds. Laurie gave me a new purse. Vincent de Paul is giving me new braces. My many brothers and sisters have forgotten me. Yet, these strangers love me and help my sons. “ Is this what she is thinking? I do not understand.

She cannot ask too high a price for her wares.” These are poor people. They earn little In the factories. I only need enough to buy milk and food for my boys.” Maria wanted to make lunch for us today. We will wait until the cooler weather. She talked again about our house and how beautiful it is. How rich we are. It is pointless arguing with her on that subject.” My friend lived there. She said everyone is rich. I was so worried I would scratch your tile floor.” Do not worry, there are no scratches. Maria asked if I had much work now. What brought that subject up? I said I did. “Good, I have been paying that you would have much work.” No wonder. 38

Maria often tells Marge that she is a good administrator. Prisciliana tells her that she is a romantic, with her candles, ribbons, and flowers. Meg calls her mother, Martha Stewart. I wonder why. A romantic administrator. Is there such a title? I tell her that she and Maria should co-author a bilingual book on how to budget household expenses. No word yet on her inquiry about her lot. Next month they said. A Habitat-size house would be perfect for the three of them. 640 sq. ft. Marge will talk to Aloma about blueprints from the Carter Project. She has a tough task ahead; finding an Angel for Maria.

Our visit was concluding. We had given Maria an extra 15 minutes. “I am so happy you came to see me. I will write the note (sobrina) and have it on Wednesday.” Maria had lost more weight. Her diet was working. “But, I have been sick. My stomach.” I pray we will find out about that at her next appointment. She proudly showed off her new per m anent. All those curls!” I spent $4 of the money Jaime [our friend] gave me. I am saving the rest. “ Maria, you do not have to tell me how you spend your money”. Look at the mattresses. I have covered them while I wash the covers. I will keep them clean. Oh, I just love my new beds! “There is that “ new “ business again. Perhaps she does not feel worthy of new things. She will have to get used to new things in her life. Her American family and friends will see to that. Be ready at 11:30, then we will go to lunch. [IHOP] She has never eaten pancakes. I tried to explain but could not. Pan is the bread and everything else seems to be pan dulce, sweet bread. We hugged her and told her we loved her and, as we were leaving she said, “I will stand in the doorway and wave to you. “

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