SEAPORT VILLAGE

Jolly Roger at Seaport Village may have to be renamed, Maria’s Restaurant. It was her third trip there. As usual, we were alone in the main dining room. As usual, Maria faced the fireplace and porcelain umbrella. The room has a very calming effect on us. After all the driving and in and out of the car, we welcomed the atmosphere. Maria ‘’read “the menu but made no move to order. I read off several items. She settled on the chicken sandwich and fruit. Marge and I ordered the fish sandwich.

Maria had much to talk about. This is not new. “Look at my watch. An American tourist gave it to me last week. “It was a lovely lady’s gold-colored watch. Joking with her, I reversed it so she would be able to tell the time easier. She definitely knows how to tell time. She is very conscious of it and looks at it quite often. Would I bet a nickel she has had other watches? “David, I now have $550 for my lot. I received $25 on both Saturday and Sunday. Monday, I did not feel well so I did not go to the border. Eight hours I spent there on Sunday. She is really focused. The clothing sales money goes toward food and other necessities. Again we praised her efforts. Do you know the temperature and humidity this past weekend? It was brutal! Long dress, towel over lier tiny legs, umbrella in one hand and styrofoam cup in the other. The endurance and determination were there all along. She only needed a reason to bring it out “Mi lote, mi lote, mi lote”

Marge asked her how long the chicken breasts lasted. “7 pieced lasted 4 days. We ate some every morning. In sandwiches. It was wonderful. Manuel was beside himself. Cat had the bones. And the birds ate some also. We wasted nothing “ Since when have you ever wasted anything, my friend? The crayons? “Manuel and Javier 70

wrapped them and sold them at school. [that was a great idea of hers] they sold 10 packages for $4 pesos each. [about $5.00] That will buy tortillas and milk. The boys will wrap the rest to sell.” Their payment for this job was a bag of taffy. They did the work first. I am not about to run afoul of Maria’s handling of her boys.

Eat slowly and let us enjoy this fine food. There is no hurry. Maria was definitely hungry. I had cautioned her not to eat much in the morning.

Maria, may we set a date for our lunch at your house? We had talked earlier about this event. Marge suggested September when the weather should get cooler. It’s September, but it’s not cool. Anyway, Maria was delighted to make a date for us. September 25, Thursday afternoon. Without the boys? “Yes, it will be easier for me.” Besides, the boys love to monopolize the conversation. She will be the center of attention on this day. I did not want to exclude them outright; we love those two rascals. Marge gave strict instructions; she will bring the salad and some sort of cheese bread. Maria, only that wonderful angelfish.”And, a little rice?” Yes, that’s fine. The family eats more bread these days; tortillas taste great but fattening. The three look very healthy. Very!

We had finished our sandwiches and were still chatting. May I see the dessert menu? I ordered the deep-dish apple pie with ice cream. Please include three forks. It was just enough and very good. As we left the restaurant, Maria saw two babies nearby and patted their heads as she passed. She had seen Marge do this in the past and decided it was ok. The mothers were pleased. Is it the person or the wheelchair? She affects people with her smile and kindness. Marge and I have has seen her without the chair. The same feeling is present.

We strolled along the seawall. Another perfect day. Some times I feel like a tourism promoter for San Diego. It is a beautiful city and seems more so when we share its beauty with our Mexican 71

friends. As we sat on a bench absorbing the scene, Maria was joined by several birds who live in the park. They keep all the crumbs well policed. Several more joined the others. Though she had nothing to feed them, they seemed content to be nearby. One pigeon came very close to her. He just stood and looked at her. “Maria, he knows you have birds. He can smell Jose Luis and the others. “Perhaps he just wanted to be near Maria.

As we were driving back to Mesa Otay, Marge remarked how the sun, now a hugh red ball in the west, was reflecting on the glass buildings and road signs. Maria picked up the statement and repeated it back to us. The body may be cripped but that mind is razor-sharp.

Guillermo Prieto was bursting with activity. On these torrid nights, everyone is outside hoping for a breeze. It will be a hot breeze if it comes.

“Till next time, Maria, we love you, and be very careful on those braces! “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

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