CARLOS AND PABLO

May 11, 1998

We were to meet the two men after 5 pm at the La Mesa shoe store. This was to be our first personal contact with the two; Carlos the orthotist and Pablo, the shoemaker learning the skill of the orthotist. Excited and apprehensive, we have been disappointed so many times this past year. Maria was waiting for us dressed in a pretty red dress. I meant to kid her about looking like a firecracker but the word has other meanings. It was early yet so we sat and did her favorite thing and chatted. Since we would not allow her to cook for us she had bought a 6 pack of beer and chips. Manuel was off with his soccer team and Javy was in and out of room 2 hundred times like any other 11-year-old trying to listen to what we were saving. “No, no, don’t give him any chips, he has eaten his lunch already. The boy is such a pest. And, when you walk in front of someone, say “excuse me.” We tell her that her boys are just like any other normal 11 and 12 year old. In the years to come her efforts with them will pay off. I told Maria about the fundraiser at church. The youth group sold almost 500 carnations; reaping a profit of $1000. She was pleased yet I think these large numbers do not register, not at the moment anyway. Her daily life revolves around American dollars, mostly one-dollar bills. Remember the $100 bill she received and did not know what it was?

“Jaime has been sick and has not been here for one week.” Then who cleaned the room, it is quite clear today. “I did.” It is so 144

dangerous for her but she persists to maintain her independence. “Manuel bought this little gift for Magie on Mother’s Day.” It was a little plastic teddy bear with a flower in a plastic tube. You’ve seen these things in the trinket stores. Marge made a big fuss over the gift. She knew it came from the family with much love.

“Don’t worry David, I know the address of the shoestore in La Messa. It is very easy to find.” Thus, we were off to meet the number 4 orthotist. It was only 4-5 miles but it took quite a while due to the mass of going home traffic. “There is a store on the right.” Quite a store it is; one shop makes shoes, boots, and other leather goods, another shop sells these items, and the third shop, is a makeshift examining area, and workshop to make and repair orthotist braces.

The avenue in the front, Lazaro Cardenas, was a sea of rushing cars, buses, and trucks. On the other side of the street, is a large shopping center. You can imagine the noise at 5 pm. Over the shoestore were more business; a computer school, an English language school; these were the schools I had heard so much about from our friends in Mariano. I must visit the language school, but first, we must meet Pablo. He came out and greeted us enthusiastically. Maria said he was a very nice man. Pablo is in his thirties, from the waist up he has the build of a weightlifter. Below, a twisted, crippled leg, imprisoned in a heavy iron brace. Even a large built-up shoe did not ease his terrible limp. Another victim of that cruel twentieth-century scourge is a year old daughter. My wife also had polio and her one leg is crippled. Look, I have their photos.” Beautiful people all three. “I called Carlos and he will be here within the hour. David, where did you learn to speak Spanish so well? (I just love people, who tell me that). I told him of our times in Mariano Matamoros and the many people we have met. They all helped me in my learning Spanish. Carlos arrived after suffering through the same traffic. He is a “pocho”, like Felix. Maria told me this term, it is not derogatory, and it only means a person of 145

Mexican heritage born in the US. We all went over to their shop where Carlos began his examination of Maria’s legs. He measured and made notes quickly while explaining to us what he was going to do. He suggested plastic braces attached to upper metal supports. The advantage of the plastic is that it will hold her feet better and she can wear any kind of shoe. “These braces will cost eighteen plus dollars. They will be very strong and will last many years. I am going to cast her legs and obtain exact measurements.” Maria was lying on the table whole Carlos and Pablo wrapped each leg with the plaster-soaked bandages. Within minutes there stood the exact duplicates of Maria’s lags. Maria covered her face with embarrassment while they worked. The old semi useful left-brace went back on while the two pondered about the useless right brace. “I may have something in the car, Pablo, look next door for a pair of shoes for Maria. She is size 21.” That must be child size. Each returned shortly, Pablo, with a pretty pair of black, soft leather, feminine oxfords and Carlos with a cloth, velcro type brace. She just loves the shoes; her first in ten years. I paid the twelve and right away Maria argued that she would pay. “I will have the money for you when we go to the dentist on Thursday. “ I did not argue. There are some things that she must do. The temporary brace worked great. She hopped down and was off trying her new means of walking. Her confidence was returning rapidly. “This is so good, I will not fall now since I can stand on my right leg again.” I will order the parts and call you when we are ready for the next fitting. Two to three weeks.” We are still doubtful. We have heard the three weeks’ promises before.

Before we left the shoestore experience I must mention the English school. There were two separate classes in session when I entered. The friendly receptionist greeted me in very good English. “Please excuse my English, it is not very good. I help my husband, he is a teacher.” I told her about our friends from Mariano who

146

went there. Linda, Karina’s cousin, talked about the school but never went. Instead, she went next door to the computer school. Five hours each week for $15. A good deal for some, too expensive for others. If you are really motivated you’ll find the way. A high school boy was waiting in the doorway, his class was next at 7 pm. The lady told him to practice his English with me. He was bashful. I started speaking slowly and he reluctantly responded. “I want to go to college next year and English is very important. It is very hard for me because I have no other with whom I can practice.” A very common problem I have discovered. Many Mexicans speak very well but are afraid to speak to Americans. Making mistakes is hard. Just before leaving the area, the boy came out of his class. “I had a good class, so long, thank you.”

We will be down on Thursday and go to the dentist’s office. He will see us at 4 pm. I will be ready and have your money with me. “Would I have thought differently? We hugged her and gave her our love. It was already dark but Maria stood in the doorway and waved goodbye and threw kisses.

It was after 9 and we were very hungry. Ihop was closed, and Carl’s Jr. was closed. Nothing was open at that hour, except MacDonald and they were about to lock the doors. Thankfully, the girl let us in and we became their last customers on that very important, eventful day in our three lives.

147