THE BALLOON. EL GLOBO

We had to make the decision. It had been 4 months to the day. Still no braces. It was obvious that Felix was not committed to finishing the job. Maria’s situation was desperate. We feared a fall would do great harm to her. Marge started her long list of calls again. I went to Felix’s office to retrieve the unfinished braces. Marge was able to contact two orthotists; Alan Pryor and Joe Guth. We knew Alan from when Karina was in the Shriner’s program. Joe had seen her even before that. Alan was agreeable, except he was not available for two weeks. We will meet with Joe on 3 Sept. More phone calls, more letters to Vincent dePaul, Bi-national, and INS.

All these new developments necessitated a trip to Guillermo Prieto. Seven chicken breasts and six fudge brownies made up the bulk of our treats for the family. And, the balloon. A close friend is celebrating her birthday Sunday. She knows of Maria. “Please buy her a cheery balloon for me and ask her to say a prayer for me on my birthday. “It said, to a special person, on the balloon. A perfect choice, Marge. Maria is indeed a very special person. She was delighted. Another first in her life. Enjoy it now my friend. When the boys return from school, they will claim it for their own. Later they did.

“David, I now have $500 toward my lot.” We are yet again amazed at her ability to save in the midst of such poverty. School started last week and Maria is buying all that is required for the boys; uniforms, shoes, socks, backpacks, and on and on. As yet she had not bought their sweaters, a necessary part of the uniform. I had $25 with me, a donation from friends in RB. Maria, you need not save this for your lot. Better use it for the boys’ sweaters. She was 64

very agreeable. I did not tell her that she must save every dollar we bring down to her. She still goes to the border whenever possible. Now she braves the heat and car fumes and embarrassment for a special reason; her lot.

As usual, we sat outside her room and enjoyed the late afternoon sun. Maria likes this even though she never sits out alone. It was hard for me to explain the Felix situation. She understood me and used the same phrase several times; “he does wish to make my braces. “Dona Emilia’s sister was visiting next door so we chatted with her for a while. She is younger than Emilia, a twin. The other sister lives in Los Angeles. None ever married. Marge commented on her beautiful necklace of wooden beads. She thanked her and then raised it to reveal a large crucifix at the end; a rosary. I asked her if she was a nun. She smiled and said, “no, but I am like a nun.” I did not get the connection.

Later I realized that an unmarried, religious lady is like a nun. “Maria, did David and Magie forget us. “ It had only been a week.” No, Manuel, they have been busy. “Marge and I assured her that we would never forget them. Marge asked me the word for never, Nunca. Nunca, Maria, Nunca! Then they hugged each other. At 5 pm the boys exploded on the scene. The balloon took first attention. Be careful of the nails in the roof! The chocolate brownies took their attention from the balloon. They came from Marie’s youth group bake sale. After the holidays, they will have a fundraiser for Maria’s family. The youth want to be a part of Maria’s life. The boys’ backpacks were jammed with school supplies. Let me see your books, please? 4th and 5th graders, they take a variety of subjects; Spanish, History, Maths, Natural Science, among others. Manuel had an Atlas of Mexico, telling of the climates, products, and all sorts of info. I admired it and Maria said I may have it when the school year is over.

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Javi was doubled over laughing over a picture in his natural science book. He showed it to Marge and me; two frogs, one on top of the other, perhaps mating. That silly kid! His mother was embarrassed. What fun! It appears they are more and more comfortable in our presence.

We will not forget you. You are family.

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