CHRISTMAS EVE, 1997

It has been a month since my last entry to Maria’s story. Due in most part to discouraging news regarding Maria’s situation. After going through months of Felix’s stalling tactics, we all were happy to find Joe Guth and his positive commitment to making her braces. Then came the stalling and the excuses and finally, he just opted out of his promise. Marge and I were frantic; Maria was her usual patient, understanding self. Marge located Alan Pryor at Shriners in Los Angeles. He agreed to do the work, gratis. It was Alan who was so involved with Karina’s case. He did a wonderful job on her brace. I mentioned some pages back that Karina walks without the brace; only at her home; only sometimes. But walk she does! After all of Marge’s efforts to set up an appointment with Alan, he comes down with the flu. A canceled trip to Alan’s house for an examination and measuring of Maria’s legs. Alan gets better and we get sick. So, the self-described poor, little Indian girl, will wait a while longer for her trip to Los Angeles. What a contrast between her and the two of us: panic worrying versus calm resignation. “Please, Magie, do not worry about me. I can wait for the braces. It is ok, do not worry about me. “Nevertheless, we worry about her. Falling is such a strong possibility.

To add salt to our pains, housebuilders recommended by the nearby church and others, simply ignored our requests for house costs. Last week, Maria, sensing our frustration, told me that she knows a man who builds houses. We can meet with him when we wish. We have come to the realization that Maria is the one who will make things happen. We must rely on her to move ahead on this very difficult road. The others pay lip service but have no 103

substance. Maria is pure substance! The ultimate survivalist. I was going to title this edition of Maria’s story, “Does anyone care?” People do care; many do. Diane and Jane, Jim and Uncle John, Pat and John, Gail and Fr. Lloyd. Many others love Maria and are making her life better. Sad to say, too few have met her and have been inspired by her faith and outlook on life. Many more will come to know about this lady and will help her and her boys. They must!

Sunday, 21 December, we made our seventh annual trip to Tijuana with food and Christmas turkeys. Jim, his son-in law and I loaded up Sunday am and headed south. It was a bad day. It was a terrible day! It was Noah’s ark kind of day. At Mariano Matamoros on the road and at Mother Theresa’s church. Beyond that a sea of mud and vehicles. I called my friend Mario. Please help, we cannot pass any further. “I’ll be right there. “He flew up that muddy hill in nothing flat and we loaded everything on his truck.

I remarked later that day to Marge that our friends in Mariano and elsewhere are so completely reliable. Without influence, poor, but always there to help one another. Those others of wealth and influence, are hollow sounding.

Monday we made another trip south. This time no rain and our friend of many years, John came with me. John has made the trip before. He loves our friends and bonds so easily with them. First to Patricia’s at El Lago. John knew her from years back. His opinion still holds; a strong, happy, intelligent lady. Patricia is one of the gems in our crown of Mexican friends. John renewed his friendship with Patricia’s children; now, so much more grown and understanding English more than ever. Luis Enrique, studying English, computers, and accounting. Christian, not studying English, but understanding much. Christian is finally getting his wish to work at the Tijuana international airport. I do not know in what capacity but he will be a success. His grandfather was a 104

career pilot in the Mexican airforce. The daughter, Paty, speaks and understands English very well. Mother does not know the language but I swear she understands every word we say. She and Marge get along famously, like sisters. We all hugged as we left this wonderful family. We have become family. “We will talk soon about a date to come here for dinner. “Thank you, friend, we will indeed talk.

From El Lago to Mesa Otay takes 10 minutes. Maria was waiting for us. “Adelante, adelante.” “ Come in, come in.” The boys helped me with their Christmas food, turkey, and gifts. John went ahead and hugged Maria as he knew her for years. One bonds with this lady immediately. The boys were into the food and candy right away. Their mother scolded them successfully; somewhat. I had brought some cookies. Here, you two rascals, eat these. “sit down, please sit down.” She hopped up on her bed and looked at her gifts. Open them, Maria. The hand went to her face. Though they were close, the tears of happiness did not come. The large, beautifully wrapped package first.” Oh, an Indian doll, just like me.” Diane and her cousin, Gail had bought Josephina, a large beautiful doll with long black hair. A story about Josefina, in Spanish, came with the doll.”My first, my very first doll. I will read her story to the boys tonight. It is so beautiful. “Our gift was a small, living Christmas tree. Marge decorated it and strung it with lights. I put it on top of the tv and lit it. Santa had arrived at Maria’s house. Was that manger any larger than this little cement block room?

It goes without saying that this little tree was her first at Christmas. “Yes, David, this is my first Christmas tree. I thank you and Magie for this gift.”

Two envelopes were opened next. I wrote her a note in each. One from our neighbor, Jane, the other from Uncle John. $70 altogether. “For my lot, for my lot. “Read the notes first, my friend $20 for a new dress, and $10 for the boys. The rest as you see fit. 105

The turkey and foods, scattered about the room.took second place. There will be time later to enjoy these things. She just sat there and glowed in happiness. John was quiet but absorbing the whole scene. She had captured him just like she did with the youth group those many months ago. Sometimes Maria looks at me doubtingly. I know she is wondering if the money really comes from others or is just a ruse to hide our giving. Honest, Maria, the money comes from these people. Honest. When I gave her money from Jim on Sunday, she gave me that look. Marge and I cannot break her trust; we cannot give her money. “Look at all of these things I have here. “I did not give them, only the tree is from Magie and me. “But, it is because of you and Magie my life has changed so much this past year. “ I do not argue the point. Our lives have changed also. John commented, how fortunate Maria is to have Marge and me. No, no, John, we are the lucky ones.

John is not feeling well. Maria notices and questions him. “ Yes, I understand. I know pain. When the weather is cold, my legs hurt very much. I will add you to my prayers.”

“David, look outside and see what I have.” I had not noticed when we approached her room. It takes ones undivided attention to maneuver the sea of mud from the street to her door. Surprise! Maria has her water piped in from the street. Close to her room, the white plastic pipe pops out of the ground with a faucet attached.” I paid $65 for the meter and the installation. Next month I will pay another $65. “ The monthly water fee is minor in the Tijuana area. This is not potable water. “I am thinking next about my “bano”(toilet).” I do not know how she will manage that feat. She will.

“I tried to call you one night but there was no answer. I get lonely and sad when you and Marie do not visit me.” You may call anytime, Maria. “When are you both coming to visit me again? “ Soon, but not till Christmas.

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She was readying to go to the border. We did not want to overstay our visit. During the holiday season, Maria earns more from the passing cars. Sunday in that downpour of rain, she managed $20. With Jim’s gift, it was a good day.

We all hugged and say our goodbyes. John promised to feel better on his next visit. We love you, Maria.Very much! “Igualmente, David, igualmente, Juan!”

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