SOMBRILLA AND SOBRINA

Laurie had heard so much about Maria and now they were about to meet. We picked Laurie and Erick up at the airport and went directly to #35. It was a beautiful day and the promised rain did not materialize. The three greeted eachother like family. Lately, I have told Maria that she is family. She has readily grasped that concept. For some reason or other, the school was out early and Javier was home. Manuel was still at school studying. One of the family’s benefactors has offered to help the kids financially as long as they continue to study and pass. Manuel is taking this seriously. Maria sent Javi to get his brother. When they returned Laurie went out to the car and brought out 2 baseball gloves, caps, and balls. The kids kept putting the gloves on the wrong hand. Are they left-handed Maria? “No, they just do not know how to use these gloves.” Once oriented they were fine. Laurie, an ace ball player in her own right, showed the boys how to catch. This was their first experience at playing catch and their first gloves. The hardball is unforgiving and Manuel learned quickly to use the glove and not his head.

“Magie, you and Laurie look so much alike. I see it in your eyes and noses. “Laurie’s father is Marge’s brother. Maria also remarked that Erick looked Oriental. Erick’s mother is Japanese. Perceptive Maria.

While all this is going on, Jose Luis is doing cartwheels to get our attention. How was he when you arrived back, Sunday? “Jose Luis did not talk Sunday and all day Monday. He was very mad at me. Tuesday he woke us with his ‘wha hoo ‘ greeting.” I gave him a few peanuts and that led him to show off even more. Laurie did not spend much time in the room. Like Marge, she gets that 95

feeling of claustrophobia when spending any amount of time in such cramped quarters. Maria came out and we took pictures of all the family; the Mexican side and the American side.

Jim had given me a radio for Maria. In no time at all the two boys had figured out the whole thing; am, fm, and tape player. They have one tape. Next trip I will bring some of our tapes. Marge had brought a package of stew beef. Maria will figure that out quickly. It was a nice visit all around. The boys interacted, Erick practiced his highschool Spanish. Maria enjoyed being the center of our attention for a few hours. Before we left, Laurie and Erick gave Maria $40. Please do not go to the border tomorrow. “No, with this gift I will only sell things in front of my room. Besides, my face breaks out when I am in the sun all day.”

We will see you on November 4, for our lunch date.” Yes, I will be ready. Please come at 2:00. “Remember, call if you have any emergencies.

As we were exchanging hugs and kisses, Maria said, “David, you and Magie have changed my life, forever!” Maria, you have done the same for us.

Erick and Laurie were deeply impressed with the visit. The general theme was the wonderful job she was doing with the boys and her fine grasp of conversational skills. She has grown selfconfident and is no longer intimidated by the people we bring to her room. Laurie and Erick has been impressed with Maria’s story. To meet her strengthened their feelings for her.

I made a quick stop at San Ignacio church. Fr. Bruno has returned from the hospital and is recovering in his room. Soon we will be meeting with him when the donation comes.

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