GREEN GRASS

12 July

“I thank God for our green grass.” These were Marge’s first words after we arrived back from our visit to Mariano Matamoros. Mariano may be hot, dusty, dry, windy, and other more descriptive words but its people are wonderful. Invited for lunch we spent the afternoon at Prisciliana’s house in the Jimmy Carter project. She made my favorite; mole chicken, and Marge’s favorite, machaca, a shredded beef vegetable combination. Prisciliana also made her wonderful flour tortillas. Marge made dessert and I brought a bottle of wine enough for all of us to have a taste.

Sundays are busy days at their house; her kids’ friends all meet thereafter their soccer games and other activities. Israel, Irma’s husband-to-be was there along with Pollo, David, Cesar, Laura, Heydi, and several other friends. We met Israel on our last trip. He was very quiet, saying very little to Marge and me. This time Israel was a bundle of energy and friendliness. The family must have told him that we were OK. You are marrying into a wonderful family, my friend.”Oh, I know, I am very happy. When are you coming down again? Come back and visit us soon again. “David, the youngest of the three boys, and the quietest of the family had changed remarkably; taller, an earring, a wild-looking haircut, and talking to us. What a change! Prisciliana must have been reading my thoughts, “ David is a good boy, he is not a cholo (gang type).” I know, I know, all of your kids are very good.

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Last Year David broke his arm and leg playing soccer. Like many other similar fractures, the leg was not set correctly. Consequently. David has been having problems with his walking. Marge arranged an emergency appointment with Shriners and so he and his mother are traveling to Los Angeles on Thursday. He is quite apprehensive; we feel that the leg will have to be reset to keep him from becoming a cripple in years to come. I told him not to worry, Shriners is the best of hospitals.

The leftover dessert from Saturday’s picnic was served well today. Irma and Nancy had been gone for about an hour when they returned with Irma carrying a large, white, frosted birthday cake. Today was Israel’s birthday, his 27th. She had walked almost two miles in the hot sun with that cake. Israel is the eldest of the gang but acts like the youngest with his vitality.

After we said our goodbyes we walked over to Mario’s house. On our last visit, the family told us that Berenice and Ulises were to be married in September. What a fine young couple! Both college graduates and very ambitious. Marge and I would like an invitation to the wedding.” Of course, you are invited.” I have found over the years that often I have to initiate invitations to many of our friends’ homes.

After that first icebreaker, there is no longer any problem. Perhaps it is the culture, nevertheless, we have overcome that obstacle. “ The wedding date is 19th September,” Berenice said. “My father will be doing all the cooking.” Mario loves to cook and he is already planning the menu; chicken cordon bleu, caesar salad, and much more. He hopes to have the reception at his cooking school. A good idea, everything will be gratis. Not the food and drinks of course, but the building, tables, chairs, etc. A very exciting event, and, the day after our own anniversary.

Montse came out from her room and spoke to Marge and me in halting English, but she is making a great effort to be ready for 171

the Eyer family in August. We have not the slightest doubt that Montserrat will be a huge success. Montse, we are having a picnic at Parque Amistad on Saturday. Please try to come and ask Maria Eugenia to come also. Maria is the other girl coming up to SD for the summer to learn English.

After Mario’s, we stopped off to see Christina. She was relaxing and enjoying a movie. Sorry to disrupt your time. “ Oh, it is nothing. I am just sitting around all day without any ambition. Next year when I retire I will be anxious to start my little hair salon business. My ceilings need to be finished and the closet in my bedroom is still not started. There is always so much to do.” Your home is lovely, don’t worry, things will get finished. “Isn’t the news about Bere exciting?” Yes, we all are excited. Ulises and Berenice have invited us to the wedding.”Wonderful! We will all have a great celebration.”

Our visit had come to its conclusion. Now we must drive back over those dreadful roads that lead out of the Carter project. Some areas are still wet and muddy, in July! The city is digging a storm drain through Elva’s and Christina’s streets. Only eight years it took.

18 July / 1998

As another hot day was looming over San Diego, we made our way south to Parque Amistad. This time we brought not only Marge’s great picnic lunch but Pat and John Sullivan, our Hawaii friends since 1970. Our two families have shared countless picnics together in Hawaii. Our children grew up in each other’s company. This time it was an entirely new experience; a Mexican picnic with several of our friends from Tijuana. I shall list them all because they are all very special people in our lives. Naturally Maria, Javy, Manuel, Patricia Chavez, and her boys, Christian, Luis Enrique, 172

and Jorge. Montse came over during her lunch hour. That was a nice surprise. She will be coming up to SD soon. Later, two of Patricia’s friends from Sony, Eduardo, and Enrique, came to join us. What fun! Marge and Pat S.chatted and caught up on the news. The Sullivans are visiting their daughter’s family and new grandson. Maria and Patricia took to each other immediately. We have talked many times about Patricia and her life. Now the two wonderful ladies spoke of their lives in Tijuana and their mutual friendship with Marge and me. Also, their physical trials; Maria’s obvious handicap and Luis Enrique’s continuing problems with his hip and leg. Marge will call Shriners this week for an appointment for Luis. Seven operations and still complications.

After kicking the soccer ball around and trying out the swings, the boys headed for the paddle boats on the little lake. Though they are older, Particia’s three were very nice to Maria’s boys. All five are such nice boys and all are totally different from each other. Very entertaining.

It was hotter this week but still comfortable with a nice breeze coming across the lake. Nevertheless, the sun was more intense and so, we covered the open beam picnic roof with blankets and towels. Maria forgot her umbrella but there was plenty of shade under the tented area. “I am very happy and comfortable here. It is so much better here than in my hot room.” The hot days are not kind to Maria. Pat remarked how pretty Maria’s red print dress was.” This is my first new dress. Maggie’s brother, Juanito, sent me money to buy it. Most of my clothes are from the swap meet.” There is no shame in that, Maria. Meg buys many things at thrift stores. I go to thrift stores.

The two families were enjoying this day to the utmost. They have experienced very little of the joys of parks and picnics.

After the snacks and sodas had received a great amount of attention, Marge began serving the main attraction; sliced baked 173

ham mayo-dill macaroni salad, homemade rolls, and marinated vegetable salad. Everyone ate to their delight. Maria was served and we could see her delight upon being first. Everyone was hungry. Montse’s quick trip over from work was well rewarded.”Margarita, this cauliflower salad is wonderful! I know my father will want your recipe. “ Mario would like all of Marge’s recipes. The leftovers were divided up between Maria’s and Patricia’s families. Earlier I had left the ham bone in Mari’s room. She will make a bean soup with it.

Pat and John chatted with the two families like they were old friends. Their teachers’ intellects allowed them to overcome much of the language barrier. Besides, Patricia and her boys understand a considerable amount of English. Last year Patricia entertained the Sullivans in her apartment. There are several families that one must visit when coming to Mexico; Patricia Chavez, Maria, Mario, and Lulu.Christina, and Prisciliana.

When we all had our fill. Pat brought out the dessert. Cosco pastries. The crowd reduced the contents of two large boxes to crumbs in a matter of minutes. I wrapped a piece for Montse and wrapped Maria’s since she could not finish. As Montse departed we reminded her that we would all get together on August 11, the day she will be coming UP to RB and her American family.

With the workweek over, the park was filling up this time late afternoon. Families were anxious to begin their weekend of relaxation. On Sundays, it is very difficult to find any space in the Parking lot. It was nearing four pm and Maria was getting nervous. “ I am worried about my birds and my door cannot be locked..” Ok, I’ll take you and the boys home and then return for Magie and the Sullivans. May I bring the two back for a short visit? “Yes, but not the others. I am too embarrassed by the room.”

Maria explained to Patricia about her room size and that when she had her new house, the Chavez family would be welcomed. 174

Patricia asked me to keep in touch with her. “Let us go to Parque Morelos the next time for a picnic.” That would be fine and that park is nearby. Margarita will call Shriners on Monday for Luis Enrique. (Marge called and Luis has a 3 August appointment).

Pat and John have been very good to Maria and we wanted Pat to see the conditions in which the three live. John was in the room last year. It is hard to visualize how these three proud people can live in this hot, depressing shack. Well, they have no choice! If the hundreds of people who receive our request for donations for Maria’s house could sit in that room for a short while, our task would be made simple.

We all said our goodbyes and hugged Maria. As I approached Maria she opened her hand slightly, “David, look what Juanita and Patricia gave me. Now I will not go to the line tomorrow. The sun and fumes are so strong now. I will use this money to buy new shoes for the braces.” She was cradling $20 in her hand. God bless you two wonderful friends! Later this day we learned that our two friends had sent $100 to Maria’s house fund at our church. It was a nice surprise that had not yet been recorded at the church.

You shall get your shoes soon, Maria, Carlos is waiting for you.

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