How Che Guevara Became a Revolutionary

Carlos "Calica" Ferrer first met Ernesto Guevara in the mountains of Cerna Vaisate at a birthday celebration. Details such as whose birthday celebration it was, where and when it took place, are not present in Calica's memories. Calica reminisces about a festive gathering where both families, that of Calica and Ernesto, mingled and celebrated, wearing traditional attire and engaging in joyful dances. It was a lively event that left a lasting impression on Calica's memory. The mention of Dr. Ferrer's son visiting Ernesto and the idea of both families becoming friends further emphasizes the bond that formed during the celebration.

The friendship between Calica's family and Ernesto's family began with Calica's father, described as a skilled asthma specialist, paying attention to Ernesto's health and well-being. Calica attributes the beginning of their close relationship to his father's medical care, whether it was due to effective treatment or the favorable climate. The narrative highlights Ernesto's health challenges and the attentive care provided by Dr. Ferrer, which initiated their connection.

In 1932, the Guevara family moved to Altas Gracias, a mountainous region in the Cordoba province of Argentina, where the Ferrer family already resided. At that time, Ernesto was only four years old, and his severe asthma required medical attention. Dr. Ferrer, having heard about the Guevara family's situation, went to meet them. The doctor suggested that they should spend four months in the mountains to see if the climate would improve Ernesto's health. The Guevara family agreed to the plan, and during those four months, a close bond formed between the two families.

Calica describes how the Guevara family initially planned to stay for four months but ended up spending eleven years in the mountains. This period marked a significant chapter in the friendship between Calica and Ernesto, as they grew up together during this time. The challenges and joys of their shared experiences in the mountainous region created a strong and enduring connection between the two families.

Calica also provides insights into the personalities of Ernesto's parents. Ernesto's mother, Celia de la Serna, is portrayed as a multifaceted woman who, despite not having the formal title of the head of the family, played an essential role in nurturing and educating her children. She is described as a strong, intelligent, argumentative, and aesthetically appreciative individual.

In essence, Calica's recollections offer a glimpse into the formative years of the friendship between the Ferrer and Guevara families. The initial connection, forged through Dr. Ferrer's medical care and the shared experiences in the mountains, laid the foundation for a deep and enduring bond between Calica and Ernesto, transcending the boundaries of childhood friendship and influencing their respective paths in life.

When Ernesto was two years old, his father, Senor Celio, would take him to the seashore to play. After letting him splash in the water and play in the sand, they would return home. During one such visit, Ernesto caught asthma immediately. This incident has been described by Celio, the husband of Celia. According to him, Ernesto immediately developed asthma after being taken to the sea, and he noticed it right away.

Concerned about Ernesto's health, Celio took swift action. He immediately began searching for him and found young Ernesto lying breathless on the beach. Celio, distraught, started a series of measures to help his son, but he faced challenges.

"I don't know what to do! I can't find him anywhere. Everything is in your hands now," Celio expressed his frustration.

In response, Celia quickly replied from the beach at the same speed, "What should I do next? Should I be cautious like chasing a hare? Don't go there, don't do that. Should I constantly watch over him, making sure he doesn't go there?"

Celia emphasized the need to be vigilant and keep a watchful eye on Ernesto.

Ernesto, during his absence from home, faced these struggles. Celio resorted to drastic measures to wake him up, including using an inhaler. Celia, witnessing her husband's desperate attempts, acknowledged the severity of the situation. She recognized that Ernesto's life depended on her efforts.

Despite being in a challenging environment due to Ernesto's asthma, Celia did not lose sight of the fact that Ernesto, Sr. (Ernesto Guevara Lynch after Celia's marriage), took immediate action and fought vigorously to overcome the situation.

"I don't know if this is true in my own way. But for another reason, I have seen Ernesto Sr. and Celia engage in a battle," Kalika reflects.

During the time when Ernesto was not at home, Ernesto Sr., armed with a halera (inhaler), began addressing the situation.

"Let's see what he's doing! He is nowhere to be found. Everything is a problem in your upbringing," he declared.

With the same urgency, Celia responded from the beach.

"What else should I do? Should I be cautious like chasing a hare? Don't go there, don't do that. Be careful, be careful," he continued.

In a determined voice, Celia stated, "I have decided. He will grow up like other children. Locking him inside the house is not the solution. He should experience the outside world."

Celia insisted that she understood the real reason behind Ernesto's asthma. Despite facing difficult situations, Ernesto did not shy away from activities like playing, fighting, or climbing. He did not compromise on his principles, including horseback riding, climbing mountains, playing golf, and mountaineering. Celia appreciated Ernesto's commitment to his values, even surpassing his father's opposition.

"Ernesto's strength, passion for games, his ability to attract women poets as his lovers, and his leadership qualities that made him a natural leader, all converged to make him an exemplary figure. What sets him apart is that he has not given up these traits for any reason. Despite his asthma, he continued to pursue sports such as soccer, swimming, diving, and mountain climbing, displaying a stubborn determination," observes Kalika.

Ernesto's dedication to his principles and his resistance to compromising on his values set him apart. Celia appreciated his commitment to growth, whether through books, learning from elders, or participating in protective sports. His passion for exploring new things always stood out.

Celia concludes, "But some things that he cannot grasp to understand for his health are already beyond my comprehension. The constant fight against asthma is an undeniable battle."

Ernesto's life, as described by Celia, reveals that his persistence and determination to live a full life were unwavering, despite the challenges posed by asthma. His love for sports, exploration, and adventure defined his character, making him a unique individual who did not let health issues hinder his pursuits.

Rahul Sankrityayan wrote a Purana for Ernesto Guevara, describing his journey around the world as a noble act. The passage emphasizes that there is no greater deed than connecting with people and communities, highlighting the importance of social bonds. It suggests that the world is built on these connections, and one can achieve spiritual fulfillment by embracing and participating in the community.

Ernesto harbored a desire to travel, and the passion he had for exploration led him to learn from his mother, father, friends, and even his lover. He started to redefine his boundaries, realizing the vastness of the world through his journeys. The passage attributes a clear perspective and understanding of the world to Ernesto's experiences.

Ernesto's writings, even in his senior years, continue to inspire, stating that the world must engage in travel to understand the needs of the poor. However, the passage clarifies that this isn't just about traveling for leisure but emphasizes the importance of traveling as a compassionate explorer, sharing beautiful photographs capturing the essence of natural beauty and empathizing with the suffering of people along every road.

It stresses that like his actions, the traveler must actively observe and understand the reasons behind the sufferings of the people encountered during the journey. Ernesto's travels are described as a form of social research, where he actively sought to comprehend the causes of the sufferings around him. His journeys were not just about self-discovery but also about sharing the pain of others.

In conclusion, the passage expresses the idea that to truly understand and address the suffering of humanity, one must travel the world, empathize with others, and actively work towards alleviating their hardships. Ernesto's journeys are portrayed as a unique form of social research, shedding light on the diverse aspects of human suffering, and the importance of actively engaging with the world to make a positive impact.