PLAZA DEL PARQUE

14 May

While Marge was at Dr. Jorge’s for a dental appointment, I went over to get Maria. She was ready and waiting in the doorway. As I approached I could see the bills in her hand. “I have the money, David. I said that I would.” I thanked her and said no more. Maria had made her statement, had made her point. At that moment I had $450 for her bank account. She will receive that later. Our friendship is not about money, it never has been. We tell her the source of every dollar that comes to #35. “It is because of you and Marie. It is through you that I received three gifts.

After picking up Marge it was our idea to go to the local restaurant for coffee and ice cream. They had no ramp for her chair. Let’s go out to Alejandro’s office and wait there. I needed the time since this was my first trip to this area. The traffic was wild as usual, Maria commented that it was her first time in this part of downtown. “Tourist.” I said.

The dentist’s office was near a park so I suggested we go over and wait there. The lady in the pharmacy told me that there was an ice cream store right around the corner. Off we went cones in hand, to the park. We did our chatting in a beautiful park on a sunny afternoon. “My shoes are so comfortable and I am more confident with the braces. My walking is much easier, and, no falls.” Thank God, remarked Marge. “Manuel called me “robocop” because my braces look like the leg from the man in the movie.” We got a big laugh out of that. She did also, she knows the movie. “Oh, 148

how much my life has changed in the past one and a half years. I am no longer ashamed to go out in public and talk with people. Next week I will go to the bank and open up a bank account. There is a $1000 minimum before one can start the bank account.” By this time she knew of the money I bought. Uncle John has sent you money also, with the suggestion that you buy a new dress and shoes for when you take us out to lunch. She agreed.” Another new dress and shoes. “With that, she let out a big sigh. I had been nervous that she would have problems setting up her bank account. Every point that I mentioned to her she already covered when she first went to the bank for information. I felt foolish and at the same time pleased he had been so resourceful. The little Indian girl has emerged from her shell never to return.

During our last visit to her room, I asked Maria if she would like to learn to write some words in Spanish. “Yes, I only can write my name now.” I printed a few words such as Magie, Javy, Manuel, David, etc. She copied them in script barely legible. Today, at the park, we talked again about her writing. This time I suggested that she print the words. This will be your schoolwork, ok? “Yes, David, I will do my school work and have it for you on your next visit. “Perhaps if Maria can learn to write a few words she will become interested in more. We are continually impressed with her intelligence. Don’t forget the thank you note to the kids and Marie at the church. “I will have it for you next time.”

Shortly after 4 pm, Dr. Alejandro drove into the lot and came over to see us. We all had met before. I gave him a copy of Maria’s paid tax bill. He remarked that this would be very useful. “It is very important that she establish her rights to the land and pay the land taxes. She should go to the government and pay the taxes for 1998. They will only amount to $30 or so. I will call my friend, Gabriel, and ask him for his advice. It is possible that Maria can obtain the land with no further payment. There would be a court 149

hearing and that is that.” Needless to say that we will not place too much faith in this statement. It sounded nice. He explained all of this to Maria. Maria will have a busy week coming up back to the shoe store where Pablo will attach her new shoes to old braces, temporarily; a trip to the local bank to one her bank account, and lastly, back down to pay the tax bill. This time she will travel by “calafia”, those little vans that scurry all over the Tijuana landscape. Much cheaper than the taxi and with her “new” old braces she can board the buses. Manuel goes with him on all of these trips. She is excited and wants to do all that she can to help. I cannot imagine her getting on those little vans with the two canes and wheelchair. As I have said many times in the past and will in the future, Maria is the ultimate survivalist. We said goodbye to Alejandro and I promised to call him in a week or so to find out how he made out with Gabriel. These two did nothing for the cause several months ago, but we must have some optimism that this time they will help. Alejandro has told Jim that he does want to help Maria. Off we went winding our way through, the streets past the Cuauhtemoc monument, past Colonia California the airport, and finally to #35. Maria enjoys these trips to all new neighborhoods. The experiences are carefully filed away in that ever-busy mind of hers.

“Can you, stay and visit with me for a little while?” Yes, of course. The trip had tired her but not so much that she did not want to chat. Jaime had returned after his sickness and the place was clean. The birds are very messy.more so since three of them are not locked in their cages. Jose Luis is afraid of the new cage and will not stay in it. He prefers to hang on, swing on, and climb around the old cage. “Gato” the cat came slowly into the room. The poor cat, he is so thin and walks so slowly. Is he ok, Maria? “Yes, Gato is in love and he spends much of his time with his current girlfriend. He has families all over Mesa Otay. Tomorrow I will go

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to the bank and open my account. Then we will go to see Pablo. It will be a busy day for Manuel and me.”

As we said our goodbyes the inevitable question came up, “When will you visit me again? You know how I miss you and Magie.” Within two weeks, Maria. We miss you also. Our friendship has become so strong that we can no longer stay away from that dark little room for any length of time.” I will stand in the doorway and wave to you and throw you kisses, “She did and we did and drove off.”

Today, May 16 Carlos called. “Are you still interested in the braces for Maria? Often, after an appointment and a price quote, I never hear from them again. “Marge made it very clear to him that we are for real and to order the parts, the check will be mailed Monday. “I wish I could afford to do the work gratis but I just cannot, my young family, you know. “We understand, order the parts. He is giving a better price than he would to a person with full medical.” You are so good to help Maria.” Little does he know how much we are rewarded.

May 17

Today, four months to the day, we made our way to Mariano Matamoros. The long lapse is due because of the winter rains and what happens to the unpaved roads afterward. Finally dry but in almost unpassable condition. Marge suffers for several days after one of these trips. Over the years these roads have gotten progressively worse each year. You can imagine the Jimmy Carter project without storm drains and unpaved streets.

Our first stop was to see “La Doctora” and follow up on our desire to have her, Diana and Maria Elena, come up to RB for a weekend. She was just readying herself for a drive to Mariano and so we conducted our business rapidly. Without an invitation, we 151

do not like to stay at anyone’s house too long. She was very excited about the invitation and her girls will be also. This is a very fine family and like Mario’s, they speak little English but understand much. It should be a fun weekend.

Our next stop was to see Karina and find out how she was doing with her new brace. I mentioned before about her fall and broken knee and broken brace. Though the house was full of visiting family they had time for us. Karina greeted us with her beautiful smile and was truly thankful that Marge had interceded for her with Shriners. “David, I have not forgotten my promise to make lunch for you both. When do you wish to come? I will make mole, ok?’’ Perfect! We set aside the last Sunday of June and I asked her if we could bring a special friend, Maria. “Yes, of course! “I showed Maria’s photos to Karina and her cousin, Linda. “ In fact, I saw her yesterday at the linea and gave her some money.” I did not go into Maria’s long story except about the polio connection. As we talked with the two, I heard a little voice call my name in English. “Do you remember me?” Of course, Juana Zaragoza. I first met Juana the summer of the Carter project. She was 12 and spoke very good English. She lived in Los Angeles for several years. That summer I visited her house many times and got to know her three sisters and mother and father. Because her mother kept asking me to bring the family food, clothing, and other things, I gradually broke off our friendship. This was very rare. One other used to hint but no one ever asked for anything. I take that back: several years ago Cuca asked us for help with blankets. Her sister, Gloria had just come north with her five children, and they had no warm clothing or blankets to go to Mariano. This was not a case of begging.

A few years ago I saw Juana with a baby walking toward the “curva”. I had heard she gave birth; no mention of a husband. Yesterday, that baby is now four years old. Juana is barely 20, yet

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she has aged so much in these past years. A hard life for one with little schooling and a child.

Both Marge and I remarked how good Karina looked. She was walking very well, less limp and her back was straighter. She also had lost some weight. She told us she was feeling good and her back and hip gave her no pain. I gave her the info about Carlos and Pablo. Keep it safe if ever you need their help. She is now out of the Shriners program having reached 21 years.

Before we had a chance to go inside Maria Jesus came by. Her English is failing but she and Marge had a nice chat. Maria’s husband died several months ago and this was Marge’s first opportunity to talk with Maria. She lives behind Elva and we have become good friends. She has received a Christmas turkey for the past two years.

Inside the crowded house, we met again Karina’s cousins, and her aunt and uncle. Leonila, the grandmother has been very sick. Hence the aunt and uncle, visiting from far southern Mexico. After a brief visit, we made our excuses and left to see Christina.

Mario was visiting his mother-in-law so we had a nice chat with the two. I showed Mario the notice in our church bulletin about our seeking an American family that would host Montserrat for several months. She wishes to learn English and later become a bilingual teacher. She starts college next winter. At Christina’s or Mario’s, there is never a shortage of conversation. Mario asked me about the last uninhabited Carter house, B-3. He knows of a man who would like to buy the house. It has never been occupied. I will ask Jerry Mayfield about the procedure to purchase it. Danny, their youngest, was with his father. Danny will be 5 years old tomorrow. Though he has been sick, the family is preparing a small party for him. Later we walked over to see Lulu and the rest of the kids. Though risking repetition, I will say again that this is one of the most outstanding of all the families we have met. Mario’s mother, Maria, was visiting from Mexico City. We had met her 153

years before. Christopher was cleaning his room while Berenice was just finishing a cake for Danny’s party. It had a funny-looking face and so I called it a Montenegro face. They all laughed at that. Montserrat was pleased about the bulletin ad. We hope we receive some calls.

Luis Enrique returned to Shriners last week for a checkup and received good news, no appointment for two years. He has grown very tall and is still the charmer of the family. Christian, the dependable, rock of the children, has grown into a fine adult. Serious yet with a wonderful, happy personality, he is his mother’s biggest supporter. Jorge, the merchant, was working as usual. The boys are a mother’s dream; faithful, supportive, and dependable.

“David, please call me soon and we will take a date for a lunch with you and Margarita. “I promised I would call her. She cherishes our visits as we do and knows we will not forget her.

We passed through the border around 6 pm. Maria had returned to her room. On our next trip to #35, she will ask all about Mariano.

31 May

We kept our promise to make a date with Patricia for lunch and made the trip down today. Marge made her world-famous Libertarian cake (an orange glaze cake),! brought a bottle of wine and an assortment of china plates, bowls, glasses, and towels. With those growing boys of hers, these items are always needed. The place was busy with kids as usual; Luis Enrique, Christian, Donna, Paty, and the new baby, Ariana. Jorge was working at the local store. Thankfully, Paty and her kids only come on weekends. The atmosphere is much calmer and happier now that Paty has moved out.

Patricia was busy with the meal and what a meal it was! Mole with chicken, the red rice, and a new dish for both Marge and me; 154

black beans cooked with onion, salt, water, and garlic, topped off with a very tasty dry cheese. Until yesterday Patricia had not been near the top of the list of great cooks. She now has forged right up there with Elva, Cuca, and Maria Elena Nava. Marge believes that when Patricia’s mother, Luz, visited some time back, she took some serious lessons from her. Though she had a slight migraine, Patricia served us a wonderful luncheon. I kept her glass active and told her that the wine would help her headache. Perhaps it did. It was a fun-filled happy afternoon. Marge had great fun with Donna teaching her how to shell roasted peanuts. At first, she would bring the peanuts over and say, “abrelo, abrelo”, (open it, open it). Later she would look for the nuts with a slight crack and open them herself. Donna is a mirror image of her grandmother, Patricia, at that age. She is growing into a very happy, intelligent, little girl. Thanks to Patricia.

What a surprise for Marge when she asked Donna, in English, to open her hands for more peanuts. She came over to her and opened her hands. Already, she is learning to understand English like her uncles. Television is a great teacher in this country. I know of young people who have learned to speak and understand English as a result of watching the San Diego channels.

I learned a new phrase before our visit, “would you like to go on a picnic? ‘’ I tried it out and they all decided it was a great idea. We made a tentative date in July. I asked Patricia if Maria and her boys could go also. She was very agreeable. We selected Parque Amistad since it is located close to both families. This is the same park that the youth group and Maria and the boys will be going to in July. Maria’s social schedule is becoming quite active. As a result, her personality and self-confidence have made great advances.

Our visits are always uplifting for Patricia, she needs the encouragement and support from her American family. Her own supplies so little, except her mother, Luz. Over the years our 155

friendship has grown strong. Until next time, we love you, Patricia, we love you.”Igualmente, David Margarita, igualmente. “

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