HOLY THURSDAY

Imet the girls from the youth group at San Rafael. The three had done a great job of shopping for Maria and the boys. Sarah and Shelly were making their first visit to Maria’s room. Christina came down last summer to meet Maria. There were three large Easter baskets with candies, games for the boys, canned foods, a hairbrush for Maria, nuts, and dried fruits. The three did an excellent job in their selections. A large ham topped off the food and Marge’s tulip plant helped brighten up the room. The girls gave Maria an envelope containing the balance of the donated money; $120. She is very grateful. “Oh, I am so emotional, I do not have the words to thank you. I have nothing to give in return.” Maria, our friendship, and your smile are enough for us.

As she did last summer, Maria told the girls about her life and her boys, who, incidentally, were in and out of the room like two little puppies. So bashful, their tongues were as tight as a drum. I kidded Maria about the two not having any tongues. She readily agreed and said that they would be talking about them at bedtime.

“How many children do you have in your family? “Two had one brother and one is an only child.” Smaller families are better these days, so much easier to raise children and send them to good schools. The Mexicans have so many children and so many do not go to school. “Remember, Maria is the youngest of thirteen and never went to school. She talked about her very favorite book, the bible, and its lessons on leading a good life. This poor, semi-literate Indian girl would have been a wonderful teacher; in fact, she is an inspirational teacher. Marge and I and the others who visit this dark, damp room, are always uplifted by her spirit and faith.

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Finally, we were able to persuade the boys to go out and play frisbee with the girls. I realize that at ages 12 and 11 it is very hard for them to relate to 16 year old American girls. Maria knows and we know that they are very grateful for the love and attention they have received this past year. They have a family.

As usual, Maria was taken up with our chatting and fairly ignored all the material things she had received. There would be time for those later. Now she was interested in the girls and what they were all about.

Without question, the biggest gift at #35 Prieto was a new bird cage for Jose Luis. The girls knew that he needed a better cage and bought him this large, pratty, new home. Maria remarked that he will be able to stay outside now since this cage is very secure. Jose Luis was nonpulssed and continued to swing all over in his old cage; showing off for the girls. He is the ultimate actor. The two little parakeets were squealing all over the place, still expecting their chicks. It takes two months Maria says. Their cage is very dirty as Maria does not want to upset the eggs. She recently acquired two beautiful love birds in some sort of a barter deal. They are very quiet unlike the other three. Maria wanted to make lunch for the girls but they had already eaten. She kept asking me if I wanted to eat. I declined and commented on her very precarious condition with the braces. Her left leg is completely vulnerable to collapsing. The brace is useless and if her knee bends she is on the way to another fall. She walks very little now and as a result, her body is suffering from lack of exercise. I would like those three orthotists to sit in that room for one day and see what this lady must do to survive. Given their past performances I doubt if it would make any dent in their feelings. Repeated calls and faxes to Alan have gone ignored. I doubt he has even made the braces. We must make a change very soon. “Please do not, worry about me. Tell Magie not to worry, I will be ok.” Does a parent not worry about their child 137

in peril? We cannot turn off our feelings when we leave that room. Maria has come into our lives and there she will remain.

We took lots of pictures with Maria and the boys and with me and with the girls. Denise, the graphic design professor wanted photos of Maria and the boys, and the girls need a remembrance of this day; another wonderful Holy Thursday at #35 Guillemo Prieto.

It was a quiet ride back to Rancho Bernardo. The three had their thoughts about today.”My father is with Fieldstone builder and he said that his company can help Maria with her house.” That is great, Shelley l will call him.

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