I am from the river down a path in my "backyard" on River Road
from a red and black lady bug Pillow Pet to John Deere tractors. I am from rides in the Kubota through puddles and orchards and the big playground to sharing a room with my sister. I am from acres and acres of almonds on the ranch whose leaves hurry with the wind. I am from weekly Sunday Mass and huge celebrations and gatherings from Del Toro and Tovar. I am from hard work and love and from translating between English and Spanish. from getting all the kids' names mixed up. I am from Baptisms to First Communions to Quinces. I am from Castillo and Ayala from frijoles and tortillas from coming to the United States for a better life and from pushing through the challenges of an immigrant to hearing the stories of life in Mexico and the journey to the US. I am from those moments of love, hardship, growth, and tradition. |