JUNE 26,1990- JUNE 26,1999

Although it was late afternoon, the sun was still beaming through the windows of the little house in Villa Fontana. The boys were enthralled with their ability to move about the several rooms. They had spent their lives cramped into that dark, ugly shack. Marge was picking up after our late afternoon lunch while Maria, sitting on her beautiful love seat, staring up at the high, bright ceilings. “I cannot believe what is happening to me. I feel as if I were in another dimension. My whole life in the dark and now this.” It is neither a dream, my friend, nor another dimension. You have arrived at your new house. Today you begin a new life. She thanked Marge and me for all of our help and I reminded her again that we had the help of many others. It was a very emotional time for all of us. Only the brilliant sun kept the atmosphere cheerful. It truly is a beautiful little house! Attribute to Marge’s many months of work. We explained to Maria and the boys many of the do’s and don’ts of living in a house for the first time. All those little things which we take for granted.The boys will help me and we will take good care of our house. Please do not worry, Magie.”

The boys wanted to take a shower. The only shower they ever knew was with a garden hose behind the shack on Guillermo Prieto. Maria gave her ok and each took his turn in the tile shower. The boys get along very well. We hardly ever hear any angry words between the two.

It was near seven and Maria was finally getting quite tired. It had been a long day for them. “Later I will take a shower also. I am so dirty after all the moving today. “We are going soon. “Oh, please, stay a little while longer, I am so happy in my house with 219

you and Magie. “What could we say? After several more yawns, we had to leave. We will return Tuesday afternoon with more things for your house. “Oh, on that day I am going to Manuel’s graduation from the sixth grade. I will stay here to meet you if you want. “No, no, please go to his school. This is a very important day for you both. Javier also passed to the fifth grade. We will see you all later in the day.

June 26, 1999, ended with much happiness and satisfaction.

June 26, 1990, also ended with a great feeling of accomplishment. On that day the Jimmy Carter Habitat for Humanity project in Mariano Matamoros was completed.

Our lives have never been the same.

As promised, we returned to Maria’s house on Tuesday, June 29. Marge wanted to wash Maria’s new dishes and flatware and I was to install the rollup shades. It was not a job I was looking forward to, but our contacts in Tijuana just would not do the work. I see the difference now between our friends in the Carter project and these several so-called professionals. Middle-class snobs are what they are. Ready to commit to large jobs but choose to ignore those like ours.

Our friends in Mariano would leap at the chance to do small jobs or jobs of any size. Only Sebastian Olmedo and the kitchen cabinet contractor were reliable. In spite of the others, the house is being completed.

We also wished to celebrate the boys’ promotion. On the way down we stopped at a large shopping center. Every center has a bakery or cake store. Marge picked out a “ tres leches’, three milk cake and the girl took it next door to have “congratulations, Manuel,” written on it. Next, we went over to Comercial-Mexicana and bought ice cream. This combo will be a first for the boys, that’s a guarantee! Javier passed to the fifth grade so he will share in the little party also.

220

Maria and Javier were at home. What happened? “When we went to Manuel’s school this morning, the teacher told us that the class was going on a field trip overnight instead of the party at school. David, Magie, please do not be mad at me. When I was gone the boys’ father brought a dog over to the house. I told him that I do not want a dog here. Too much mess and the boys will not take care of him. What do you think? ‘’

Maria, this is your house, do whatever you wish. But, I do agree wth you. Marge was visibly upset and Maria could tell. “Please, Magie, do not be angry, this afternoon the dog will go back to Guillermo Prieto. If Jaime does not take him I will give it away in front of my house.” This is the fourth dog he has dropped on Maria and the boys. We agreed with her that she does not need the mess and cost of a big dog. As far as security goes, she has enough of that to hold off the Czar’s army.

Javier was his usual devilish self. With Manuel gone, he was into everything and driving his mother crazy. With Manuel’s intent on getting a job, it will be a long hot summer for Maria. Speaking of jobs, Calimax is building a huge center very close to Maria’s street, Aranjuez, and Gigante is also building within a mile of her house. These giants of supermarkets will benefit the local people in many ways.

Much to my surprise, I was able to install the three shades. Next trip I will bring the remaining two. The living room shade made quite a difference with the afternoon sunlight pouring through the window. Maria commented on the ceiling fans in the bedrooms and family room. They helped to cool the house. Just think, three weeks ago Maria asked me what those things were on the ceiling at the builder’s office. What a surprise when she saw the three at her little house. Maria’s bedroom, designed and furnished by Marge with the expertise of a professional, is a thing of beauty. No wonder she feels as if she were in another dimension!

221

The other rooms are also arranged with great care and thought. The family room with its Italian leather sofa, built-in tv cabinet, and birch coffee table, is a perfect place for the boys to gather, study, or play. Their room has bunk beds from the other place plus a long desktop with drawers on both sides for their clothing. The living room has its beautiful love seat, small floor lamp, and eventually another coffee table. An assortment of pictures and mirrors will soon be found throughout the little house. We located a fine cabinet maker to build the white kitchen cabinets. An undercounter refrigerator, a small gas stove, and an oak table and chair set to round out their kitchen and dining area.

We will return Wednesday and Magie will bring the food. Do not cook anything.

Manuel and Maria were waiting when we arrived. Where is Javier? “His behavior was very bad and so I sent him to stay with his father for three days. He will return tomorrow morning. “Great, Maria, you did just perfect! “I put him on the patio Monday morning and he waited there crying, for his father. “ She paused for our reaction and was pleased with our absolute approval. Maria claims we have taught her much and that may be so, but when it comes to raising her boys, Maria needs no help. One of the reasons Marge has bonded so well with Maria is that they think alike in many ways.

Marge had made up a dozen egg salad and tuna sandwiches and I picked up chocolate cookies and soda. Too bad Javier you’re missing a fun time.

“Magie, Manuel, and I have cleaned the entire house, do you like it?” It was superb! We praised them for a fine job. Marge gave Manuel $1 for his good work. Maria promised us that she would take good care of her house, and she surely is. Manuel amazes us with his acceptance of responsibility and the fine care he gives to his mother. “As soon as OXXO, (a general-purpose store) opens, I 222

am going to get a job there.” The store is now being built across the street from their house. There are dozens of these pretty little stores in Tijuana, all sporting their red and white logo. Maria’s street, Aranjuez, is busy with cars and people passing by. She amuses herself by watching the activity and meeting her neighbors. The mother of one of Javier’s friends came over to meet Maria. She is a teacher in a private school. The “profesora” was very impressed with Maria’s house and even more so when she was told that many good people had contributed toward its purchase. We hope to meet her one day.

Several passersby have inquired about the house. “Are you watching the house for the owner? Is there someone we can call to rent this house?” “Oh, no, no, this is my house, my American friends bought it for me. “ How surprised they were to find that this disabled, Indian girl was the owner of this beautiful house! Her self-esteem and confidence are growing in leaps and bounds. She may become the owner of more property. The city land department told her that very soon she will be able to buy the lot at Guillermo Prieto at a small price.

While chatting back and forth Marge did more organizing and cleaning and I hung two more shades. Manuel was busying himself in the family room with the tv. “When Jaime came over the other day he programmed the tv. We now have over 20 channels. With the little antenna, the picture is very good. Manuel, please lower the sound. “Are all kids of that age hard of hearing, or is it just the generation gap? I remember being told to lower the radio. Not long afterward the volume seemed to raise itself again. Without a word, Maria got up and walked to the room. She said not a word and soon returned with the antenna in hand. That was the end of that. Simple, no yelling, no arguing.

Soon Marge was preparing the luncheon. Everyone was hungry and eagerly attacked the large plate of food. Marge has made this 223

combination before and it has always been a huge success. The green olives went over big also. Maria has been eating better since the move and Marge believes that Maria is more active, walking more and getting more exercise in her “large house. “ Remember, the size of this house is less than 600 square feet.

Besides bringing the remaining shades and some clothing and food items, we brought a beautiful pine, French chair. It compliments the love seat very well. Maria went into her room and came back with one of the cushions she uses with the wheelchair. Up she hopped onto the chair and it immediately became her favorite place to sit. “This chair is very comfortable and I will not sit on the love seat, I fear my braces will wear on the material. Besides, I have a nice view of my street and all the activity. On Guillermo Printo I saw nothing but those ugly walls, my broken window, and a door full of holes. It was a very sad place for me. “ I thought you were not going to bring your birds to this house? “My birds were not eating and crying at night. I think Jaime was not giving them food and water. I must talk to him again. They are too messy to have here.”

After our lunch, the three of us sat and chatted while Manuel went out to play with the teacher’s son. We had waited a long time for this, just sitting and relaxing. Maria had waited a lifetime.

On our next visit, on the 20 of July, we’ll go to Las Brisas, the Chinese restaurant, ok? “Yes, and I will pay for our lunch. “Maria, remember we decided that I would pay half. “Please, David, I want to buy the lunch. You and Magie have done so much, you have given me gold. Do not worry, I have enough money. When I do not have money, I will tell you. “ We must allow her that privilege. It saddens me though when I realize that she must sit in the hot sun inhaling car fumes for two days in order to pay for our meals. When Maria receives the title to the Guillermo Prieto lot she intends to sell it. You will never have to go to the border again. “ That is fine. I do not like going there.”

224

July 20

Maria was waiting when we arrived for our luncheon date at the Chinese restaurant. Javier had returned from his exile to Guillermo Prieto. Where is Emanuel today? “I had trouble with him this week and his behavior was bad. So I sent him to his father for three days. He just did not want to help me with the housework. Javier was very happy to return. He complained that there was not enough food and he had to sleep on the old mattress.” Marge and I both chimed in that she was doing the right thing. “Magie, how does the house look? Is it clean? Javy cleaned the floors while I cleaned the kitchen. Is it ok, Magie?” The place looks beautiful, Maria, we love you and we love your house. It is the most beautiful in Villa Fontana. “I love to sit in this chair and watch the people passing by. The other day a neighbor of the teacher came by. As he introduced himself at the gate I invited him to see my house. “Oh, senora, this is a beautiful house! So bright, so cheerful. There is much happiness here. This house looks very American. “Yes, my American friends bought the house for me and the lady decorated it. Javy, you stay here while we are gone and keep the gate locked. And, behave!”

On such a hot day the Chinese restaurant was very cool. Our waiter from April remembered us immediately. The Chinese lady owner was not there but a young Chinese man was. On this trip, Maria had given me pesos instead of dollars. $55.00 in all. Do not worry, David, I had this money set aside for our lunch. “As usual we ordered our drinks and chatted for quite some time. The waiter knew by now that we like to enjoy our drink before eating. In April, the Doctora’s girls ordered a drink called, “sangria”, a blood-red soft drink. At my suggestion, Maria changed her order from the usual Coke. Marge and the waiter got together and decided on what food we were going to order. Sliced chicken cooked in orange juice with broccoli, sweet, roasted pork, and a huge platter of rice with all kinds of meat and vegetables. Enough food for six. There 225

were enough leftovers for two days’ meals. Next time we will order less. I’m sure that most of the 2 billion or so inhabitants of China have never seen such a delicious meal. “I have never eaten Chinese food, this is wonderful.”

As the meal was progressing the young Chinese man came over to our table and asked if everything was ok. Another Chinese person who did not speak English; I just assume that anyone, not Mexican would speak English. Anyway, we told him how good everything was and I asked about not seeing his mother this time. He laughed as he walked away. I asked our waiter what the joke was; “The lady is not his mother but his wife.” And then he laughed also. I really put my foot in my mouth on that one. “ It is no problem, senor, he is several years younger than she. He is a smart one, marrying such a wealthy lady. “Shortly thereafter he was on the phone to his wife and I heard him telling her about my faux pas. Laughing still.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable afternoon. We three enjoy our time together and are acquiring quite a list of fine restaurants. Maria has become very much at ease as we travel to these fine places.

The dessert, compliments of the house, is a banana, grilled in a pan with brown sugar, cinnamon, and kahlua. Just perfect! Before we left, the husband came over to our table with a large bag of plum seeds, like those we used to see in Hawaii. His friendly manner held fast, no hard feelings about the “mother” remark.

Our next restaurant, “La Lena”, translates, as “firewood.” Our friendly realtor at URBI, told us about this place.

Back at Maria’s house, we visited for some time before heading back to San Diego. We left Maria with another date to put in her book; next week, 27 July, we’ll be back to see you. Please do not cook anything as we will eat lunch before we arrive. “Anyway, I will buy some beer and chips for you.” One just cannot out appreciate this lady. Finally, Maria gave each of us small silver rings. Now 226

I have a gold bracelet and a silver ring. Remember what she said before, “please, David, you and Magie have given me gold, allow me to give you these gifts.” As we drove north to RB, Marge remarked that Maria was looking better, eating more, and much happier these days. “Did you notice that she no longer covers her legs with a towel and the wheelchair stays in the rear of her house used only on weekends? “Carlos’ wonderful job on her braces and her new spacious house has allowed her to walk and gain the exercise needed to improve her health.

Saturday morning

Manuel, Javy, please hurry, it is 6:30, and we must be going to the linea. No, not now, we’ll eat breakfast when we reach the border. When we lived at Guillermo Prieto, it was only 15 minutes to the linea. Now, In Villa Fontana, it takes 1-1/2 hrs. We take a calafia near our house to Cinco y Diez (a large intersection in La Mesa), and then another bus to Mesa Otay. One of the boys goes over to the old room for my chair and then they push me to the line. Even at 8:00, it is very busy. I hope that this will be a good day for us. If I receive $25 today, that will be fine. Manuel and Javy are growing so fast and they eat continually. Javy has reached my height, I am less than 5 feet tall. Manuel has already grown well past me. I think that he will be as tall as David, and he is quite tall, (5’-10” ). The prices in Villa Fontana are higher than in Mesa Otay and for that reason, I buy much of our food at Danny’s tienda in Otay. David told me that when Calimax and Gigante have finished the prices there will be better. Both stores are on Blvd. Cucapah, close to our house. Please understand, that I am not unhappy with these conditions in our new life. I love my little house so very much, and I would never go back to that other sad place. Every

227

night the boys and I thank God first and then David and Magie and then all those wonderful people who made our dream come true.

I dislike sitting here in my chair between the cars begging for my livelihood. The umbrella and sunglasses help hide my shame. I keep the soda cup in my lap until someone gives me a donation. Those women at San Ysidro make me feel so ashamed. They carry their babies on their backs and follow the cars with their cups in the people’s faces. The tourists and Americans do not like this and often the Mexican police chase all of them away. Thank God they do not come to the Mesa Otay linea.

Hola, buenos dias, my friends. Dora, Miguel, Francisco, Lety, Lupe, all of you. I am fine today. I know them all, the peddlers at the linea. They sell all those funny tourist things, blankets, Bart Simpson dolls, silver bracelets, Our Lady of Guadalupe statues and pictures, soda, peanuts, churros, and all kinds of things. They work long hard hours. Back and forth, back and forth all day every day. Rain or shine.

Today there are more than 100 cars in each line, well past the bridge. If I receive many donations we will leave early. The boys are so good to me but they are getting older and becoming bored standing all those hours with me. Some time ago Manuel worked with the Mexican Red Cross here. They were asking the people for donations. He was very happy with the job and he was paid for his time. God Bless him! He took some of his pay and gave it to me and then he bought himself of pair of tennis (sneakers).

I see my other friends who also are crippled as they take their places in the lines between the cars. Some like me are victims of polio, others missing arms or legs, some very, very crippled and in their chairs. None of us can work in the factories and the government will not give us any kind of aid. Thus, we end up at the linea. If I were not crippled I would never have met David and Magie. It has been almost four years now since I first saw them 228

passing by. They always slowed the car and spoke a few words to me and then gave me a donation. They seemed different somehow. Always made sure we met, changing lines just to see me. I did not know what to think of these Americans. One time David asked me my name, “Maria “ I told him. Today I know that he had another name for me, “Maria.” Something strange was happening. Why were these rich people interested in me, Maria Martinez Gomez, a crippled Indian? One time David gave me a note telling me about him and Magie. They had been coming to Tijuana for many years, helping the poor. Still, I must be careful, some people are not what they seem. Besides, we live in such a terrible, dirty place. I must never let them see that place.

Manuel, please take me over to the aduanal (customs) office. I need to go to the bano. When we return I’ll give the boys some money to buy their breakfast. I do not eat much in the morning, coffee and toast. When I sit for many hours in a chair, my stomach hurts.

Some people are so nice to us. One time a Mexican couple stopped their car and gave me a wheelchair. Another time a man gave the boys a new football (soccer). Some give a bag of clothing. Most, money. Thank God and God bless them! Milk and tortillas for another week. If tomorrow is a good day, I will buy 1/4 kilo of meat. They are growing so fast and eating so much, that the food just disappears. Rice and beans will fill them up.

One time when David and Magie came through the line, David told me he had food and a turkey for us for Christmas. He wanted to come to my room. What should I do? It should be ok the boys will be with me. I told him to meet the boys here tomorrow and they will show him the way. That night we cleaned the room; it looks almost the same whether clean or dirty. There is no room for us to move and then there are the birds. The next day he came with my boys to that dark, damp place. Oh, so much food he brought! I 229

have never seen so much at one time. And a large beautiful turkey. I never in my life had eaten turkey. I started to cry at the sight of all these gifts. David cried also when he saw me struggle to stand on my old broken braces.

Yesterday, David and Magie sat in my living room and we chatted for several hours. I bought them beer and chips and they brought us soda and cake. We talk about many things and never tire of each other’s company. They love me and my boys. They love my little house. I love them very much and I understand that they have a business and things to do with their daughter, Meg. I met Meg and her husband, David. They made me feel like I am part of their family. Please, come to visit me when you can. Do not forget me, Magie and David. David scolded me because I keep saying not to forget me. He said that he and Magie cannot and will not ever forget me. I believe them. I am happy.

Oh, how fast the time went today. $27.That is good. Manuel, Javier it is 5:00, we must start back to Villa Fontana. It will still be light when we arrive (7:00). I missed my house today. It will be good to see it again and sit in my favorite chair. Magie brought it from the United States. It is beautiful wood. French Napoleon chair. Magie said. I sit in that chair and watch the people pass by my house. I told Magie that the boys bring the chair to the tv room where I watch television at night. We only watch for one hour each night. There is too much violence on tv. It is not good for my boys. Magie said that she will buy me another chair for that room. Oh, Magie, no, the boys can bring it back and forth. She would not change her mind. I can not believe what they have brought to my house. The many beautiful things. Everything is new. David told me that this chair cost $250. I was shocked at the price. He told me that good furniture and other things are expensive. Yet, they last many years.

230