D M Alvarez
Bio
Stories (7/0)
Growing Strong
My grandmother was age thirteen when she married. Although this was not uncommon for the era, one wonders how those few childhood years could have prepared her for what was ahead. What little schooling she received fed her mind with the bare essentials. One can only imagine what sort of conversations she had at home, if any, to nurture her emotional growth, Initially, I wondered if she married because of a love at first sight story. If so, she would never have uttered it aloud, it would have been considered immature—even at thirteen she would have recognized this. More likely it was to escape the increasing violence of the Mexican Revolution. Because of the political and economic climate, my best guess is both sets of parents decided these two young ones had a better chance at survival away from the violence. Any apprehension they may have felt about sending the children away didn't compare with the turmoil surrounding. Most everyone in the village knew right from wrong and chose to live moral lives and brought up their children in like manner. Commitment to family and hard work were also the norm, few other options were available, at least to the poor in Mexico. Of course there would be no romantic courting as that would have been considered frivolous for the time. Certainly no pomp and circumstance to announce the vows they would keep until death parted them. The ceremony was held in a small church and even though it was a sacred event witnessed by God, it was simply another page to turn in her book of life. Her few belongings waited for their new destination; due north -- Arizona, U.S.A. circa 1913.
By D M Alvarez3 years ago in Families
Milestones and Memories
Many of the pictures in my mind were never photographed and the photographs I do have, help jog my foggy memory. I wish I could have hired some Hollywood cinematographer to capture every moment in the lives of my family. What few pictures we have, come with long stories that make up for the lack of actual photographs.
By D M Alvarez3 years ago in Families
You Start With The Middle Tray
My mother has excellent taste. While I would never admit that to her face, I'm sure there's no harm in confiding this well-kept family secret here on the internet. Ever since I was very small, she has consistently recommended what would become my favorite books, recipes, movies, TV shows, musicals, restaurants, day trips, and random experiences. Being a headstrong child, followed by an impossible teenager, and finally, a cheeky adult, each one of her recommendations has been met with a firm, "No thanks!" That is, until someone else offers their own acclaim.
By D M Alvarez3 years ago in Earth