November 22, 1963
Do you remember where you were when Kennedy was assassinated? At the time, I was a sixth grader at Joaquin Castro Elementary. Mr. Pablo Perez, who later got his Ph.D. in Education and became Dr. Pablo Perez, superintendent for McAllen Independent School District in the 90s, was my History teacher.
It was a strange day.
In those days, (that sounds so...old) we walked home for lunch and returned within the hour. On that day, my dad was crying when I arrived at home. News of Kennedy's assassination had been televised but I wasn't aware of the news. That was the first time I saw my Dad cry. I remember feeling very sad...I didn't understand and I hadn't quite placed what was happening. It seemed surreal.
I walked back to school for my next class. I noticed Mr. Perez standing next to this big box. Everyone was ambling in, the noise of shuffling feet, laughter, talking filled the classroom. But Mr. Perez was saying nothing. I approached him and asked him what was wrong. He didn't respond. I thought he was writing names due to the noise when I noticed the box was a tape recorder...and it was recording us.
"Are you recording us, Mr. Perez?" I asked.
Still no answer.
"Guys, guys! Mr. Perez is recording us....Quiet!...Quiet!"
Zero reaction to my pleas but it wasn't long before the bell rang and Mr. Perez closed the door. He returned back to the tape recorder.
"Do you know what you sound like when you enter this room?" he asked.
Well, having it brought to my attention by the taper recorder - we were quite noisy.
He played our entrance for us, and yes, we were noisy especially me trying to quiet everyone down.. At the time it didn't make sense why he had done that.
Minutes later he announced to us that President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated and had died at around 1:00 p.m. in Dallas (He was assassinated at 12:30 p.m. but was not pronounced dead until 1:00 p.m. after Catholic rites had been performed). Now I understood my father's tears as several classmates began to cry. He asked us to have a moment of silence.
You could hear a pin drop. That silence amidst the prior entrance was like night and day. I understood why Mr. Perez had recorded us...it was to teach us the loss of our president on that day by showing us the freedom of our voices - alive and loud...and how our president was silenced that day.
At the time, I thought we were being recorded to show us that we needed to reign in our enthusiasm as we entered the classroom. Instead he showed me the silence of respect versus the silence of apathy. I am always reminded of that time, that silence every time a crowd is assembled and a moment of silence is requested. Times...they're changing, but differently. It seems the silence of apathy is winning.
* * *
The Challenger
Seems strange things always happen. This day was January 28, 1986. I was living in Houston.
Days before so many things kept going wrong with the shuttle crew. Doors wouldn't close on the shuttle, weather wouldn't cooperate...I just knew they were signs not to take off. More time was needed to check out the shuttle. Weren't the shuttle people getting it?
But finally the day came. The launch was on. It was early Saturday morning and my close friend, Martha Morales called me on the phone.
"Are you getting ready to watch the Space Shuttle take off?" she asked.
"Martha, didn't you see it? It exploded," I exclaimed. (To this day I don't know where that came from but "I knew" it had happened.)
"Are you ok?...they're getting ready to launch." she retorted.
"Martha, I saw it explode. It was taking off and then it just exploded." I insisted.
"Diana, are you in front of the television?" she asked.
"Well, no, but...I've had it on all this time." I answered.
I walked to the television, phone in hand. The countdown was just beginning.
"Martha, I swear." I insisted. "I saw it explode. Everyone was killed!"
"Watch!" Martha said. "They're about to launch..."
Martha stood in front of her television and I on mine listening to the countdown...there was lift off...and within seconds...the shuttle exploded.
"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Martha cried.
"Oh my God, Martha! It just happened!" I screamed. "Did you see that?" This just can't be I thought. I know I'd saw it before.
"This can't be. I know I saw it." I insisted. "Maybe this wasn't live."
There was no mistaking it. The shuttle had indeed exploded over Cape Canaveral, Floria and chunks of the shuttle could be seen with huge puffs of smoke as pieces broke apart.
It was heart-breaking. Christa McAuliffe's name echoed especially loud.
In 1992 we moved back to the Valley and settled in McAllen. Being transfers, my daughters were too late to test for the gifted and talented program in the MISD district so they began their first year in the Valley at Jackson Elementary. The following year the two oldest tested and made the GT program. Adri, my middle child, would be attending Christa McAuliffe Elementary on 29th street.
Life always comes full circle...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
It happens...
Times, yes, they are a changing...
If you're from Mission, Texas, attended schools there or visited you were automatically imbued with love for football.
Being a Mission Eagle meant loyalty, integrity, and pride....spirit pride. Friday nights was football night. Even if you couldn't afford a ticket...all you had to do was wait until half-time and you could go in free. For me, I joined the band - free games, free trips, and a front row seat at the football game. Literally, back then the band sat on the sidelines, on the field right down from cheerleaders and the football players.
We have a legacy - Mission made it to state back when it was 2A - 1941...and we have Tom Landry. You can't miss the mural in downtown Mission. I didn't come to know the Eagles until I was in junior high and Lum Wright was coach. (I remember his sons, too, we hung around in the summers during Summer Recreation.). Don't hold me to it, but if you're from Mission, chances are you're a die hard Dallas Cowboy fan and a Mission Eagle for all eternity.
The Mighty Mission Eagles "flew" high for many years - prior to 1970. I learned two years ago just before our 2010 Homecoming that the "flying" eagle was grounded or retired after 1970, depending on how you look at it. The eagle now appears as a head of an eagle. Gone are the spread wings - gone is the freedom. Well, not exactly but you gotta admit...clipping an eagle's wings??? I don't think so!
And the biggest change of all...
There it is! Burnett Stadium has changed - now the home of the Veteran's Patriots - Mission's second high school. And in the Mission tradition...they're one heck of a football team.
Good football, is good football.
So Dallas didn't make it to the Super Bowl...but it will be a very colorful game for sure. Looking forward to some hot chili, micheladas and good football. Being a die hard football fan except for that one time in the 70's when football went on strike - I did disown football temporarily - and discovered there was life after football. I tried the Houston Oilers and got tired of not being able to kick the door down and came back to the Cowboys...only to experience the same "dang door that still wouldn't come down."
I can stand just about anything...wrong calls, bad referees...missed passes, but can somebody tell me...
WHAT'S WITH THE LONG HAIR???? THERE'S NO LONG HAIR IN FOOTBALL!!!! UCKY SWEATY LONG HAIR WHIPPING IN THE WIND, SLAPPING YOUR FACE SILLY! HEY GUYS, PUT IT IN A PONY TAIL OR TIE IT BACK...ENOUGH!
I was just saying...
I know it's not until February 6th...but on to SUPER BOWL!!!
If you're from Mission, Texas, attended schools there or visited you were automatically imbued with love for football.
Being a Mission Eagle meant loyalty, integrity, and pride....spirit pride. Friday nights was football night. Even if you couldn't afford a ticket...all you had to do was wait until half-time and you could go in free. For me, I joined the band - free games, free trips, and a front row seat at the football game. Literally, back then the band sat on the sidelines, on the field right down from cheerleaders and the football players.
We have a legacy - Mission made it to state back when it was 2A - 1941...and we have Tom Landry. You can't miss the mural in downtown Mission. I didn't come to know the Eagles until I was in junior high and Lum Wright was coach. (I remember his sons, too, we hung around in the summers during Summer Recreation.). Don't hold me to it, but if you're from Mission, chances are you're a die hard Dallas Cowboy fan and a Mission Eagle for all eternity.
The Mighty Mission Eagles "flew" high for many years - prior to 1970. I learned two years ago just before our 2010 Homecoming that the "flying" eagle was grounded or retired after 1970, depending on how you look at it. The eagle now appears as a head of an eagle. Gone are the spread wings - gone is the freedom. Well, not exactly but you gotta admit...clipping an eagle's wings??? I don't think so!
And the biggest change of all...
There it is! Burnett Stadium has changed - now the home of the Veteran's Patriots - Mission's second high school. And in the Mission tradition...they're one heck of a football team.
Good football, is good football.
So Dallas didn't make it to the Super Bowl...but it will be a very colorful game for sure. Looking forward to some hot chili, micheladas and good football. Being a die hard football fan except for that one time in the 70's when football went on strike - I did disown football temporarily - and discovered there was life after football. I tried the Houston Oilers and got tired of not being able to kick the door down and came back to the Cowboys...only to experience the same "dang door that still wouldn't come down."
I can stand just about anything...wrong calls, bad referees...missed passes, but can somebody tell me...
WHAT'S WITH THE LONG HAIR???? THERE'S NO LONG HAIR IN FOOTBALL!!!! UCKY SWEATY LONG HAIR WHIPPING IN THE WIND, SLAPPING YOUR FACE SILLY! HEY GUYS, PUT IT IN A PONY TAIL OR TIE IT BACK...ENOUGH!
I was just saying...
I know it's not until February 6th...but on to SUPER BOWL!!!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Coincidences
Coinkidinks...
Life is full of coincidences - it colors my life ...for example.
This recent storm has wrecked havoc on so many lives.
My daughter, Diana Christina, was down in the Valley choreographing the McAllen High School Choir Dinner Show they put on every year. Diana has been choreographing their shows for the last three years, I believe. If you get an opportunity to see this year's performance, do so, it is a wonderful experience. It's held in February.
Long story short, she had to return to Georgia via Dallas (driving) and the weather report was sending out red flags. Having lived in Colorado, I knew traveling in those kind of conditions was a no-no. That nagging feeling that she shouldn't travel kept pounding in my heart.
Luckily, my daughter listened and waited until Wednesday to make her trek back home and she arrived safely in Georgia Wednesday evening. She left home in Rockwall, Tx at 6:00 a.m - arriving Georgia at night. It should have been an 11-hour drive.
Ralph and I seriously thought about driving up to Dallas and driving her to Georgia...parents do that. In fact, that's what gave me my subject. One of my classmates, who also has a blog (Hi, Nancy!), also had a mini travel emergency when her new son-in-law was accidentally hit by another skier on the slopes...they are now on their way to offer any assistance...that's what parents do.
Simultaneously, I would hear Christina Taylor Green's name...a beautiful 9-year old whose life was senselessly taken from her, spoken over the airwaves. Born on 9-11 she was such a hopeful, happy, child whose life was just beginning. There are no words to describe what a parent feels when we lose a child...no words.
I thought, how our children are woven so intricately into our hearts...how we know when danger is lurking, or they're sad or worse...hurt. But somehow we feel it hundreds of miles away. In so many ways that umbilical cord is still attached.
Nancy's story reminded me of the phone call we got at midnight one night. Diana was living in King George , Maryland. Diana was driving home and she fell asleep...she woke up just as she was headed into a tree and overcompensated and flipped her car several times. Her car was totaled but Diana, aside from being tossed, was unhurt. What happened next, is what I keep close to my heart.
That night, on this isolate road flanked by 75 - 90 ft pine trees, my daughter was alone... She called us, and called for help. While she sat in her car, shaking and trying to get her bearings...a young man approached her car. There was no sound or lights of another car. He went up to her and asked her if she was ok...and also that he would stay with her until help arrived. She didn't know who he was, nor where he came from but she thanked him and they waited in the dark until help arrived.
By the time the police arrived, Diana was thinking clearer. They took her report and made sure she was ok. She remembered the young man and wanted to thank him for staying with her...so she turned to the police officer helping her and asked if she had seen him.
The police officer seemed confused.
"There was no one with you when we arrived," he told her. "You were all alone."
"No, he was with me the whole time." my daughter insisted. The police officer assured her, there had been no one else when they arrived.
I'd like to think, that was my baby's guardian angel, watching over her. I also like to think that her guardian angel watched over her when she drove back home to Georgia, too.
I know how Sam and Nancy felt that night they got their phone call. Relieved that everything was ok but concerned how they would drive back...so we exercise our parental rights to dote.
When you have children, they are the center of your universe.
If you read my blog about the javelina/hog we hit on our way home Christmas weekend, there was another "hog" incident the very next day. Near Houston, I think. A father hit a hog, too - he overcompensated to avoid it and lost control of his car, hit a tree and burst into flames. Another driver, who saw the whole thing, rushed in to help. It turned out the driver of the first car had a young child in the car seat in back. The second driver was able to rescue the young child.
A few days ago, I got a phone call from a very close friend of mine, Cynthia Weber, also a classmate. She was so excited. She was calling to tell me about her good news. Her daughter Melanie, had gotten engaged and they would be getting married December 10, 2010 in Austin.
I whooped, "Oh my gosh! Samantha got engaged, too and her wedding date is December 10, 2010 but in Kyle.
They had gotten engaged within days of each other and now they would be sharing the same wedding date.
"Coincidence?" you ask....
Let me tell you this...Cynthia and I have been sharing coincidences since we were in Kindergarten...right, Shorte? Kindred spirits do that!!!
It reminds me what a small world it is, and how interconnected we are and that no matter where we go, or who we are...we're not alone...ever!!
Life is full of coincidences - it colors my life ...for example.
This recent storm has wrecked havoc on so many lives.
My daughter, Diana Christina, was down in the Valley choreographing the McAllen High School Choir Dinner Show they put on every year. Diana has been choreographing their shows for the last three years, I believe. If you get an opportunity to see this year's performance, do so, it is a wonderful experience. It's held in February.
Long story short, she had to return to Georgia via Dallas (driving) and the weather report was sending out red flags. Having lived in Colorado, I knew traveling in those kind of conditions was a no-no. That nagging feeling that she shouldn't travel kept pounding in my heart.
Luckily, my daughter listened and waited until Wednesday to make her trek back home and she arrived safely in Georgia Wednesday evening. She left home in Rockwall, Tx at 6:00 a.m - arriving Georgia at night. It should have been an 11-hour drive.
Ralph and I seriously thought about driving up to Dallas and driving her to Georgia...parents do that. In fact, that's what gave me my subject. One of my classmates, who also has a blog (Hi, Nancy!), also had a mini travel emergency when her new son-in-law was accidentally hit by another skier on the slopes...they are now on their way to offer any assistance...that's what parents do.
Simultaneously, I would hear Christina Taylor Green's name...a beautiful 9-year old whose life was senselessly taken from her, spoken over the airwaves. Born on 9-11 she was such a hopeful, happy, child whose life was just beginning. There are no words to describe what a parent feels when we lose a child...no words.
I thought, how our children are woven so intricately into our hearts...how we know when danger is lurking, or they're sad or worse...hurt. But somehow we feel it hundreds of miles away. In so many ways that umbilical cord is still attached.
Nancy's story reminded me of the phone call we got at midnight one night. Diana was living in King George , Maryland. Diana was driving home and she fell asleep...she woke up just as she was headed into a tree and overcompensated and flipped her car several times. Her car was totaled but Diana, aside from being tossed, was unhurt. What happened next, is what I keep close to my heart.
That night, on this isolate road flanked by 75 - 90 ft pine trees, my daughter was alone... She called us, and called for help. While she sat in her car, shaking and trying to get her bearings...a young man approached her car. There was no sound or lights of another car. He went up to her and asked her if she was ok...and also that he would stay with her until help arrived. She didn't know who he was, nor where he came from but she thanked him and they waited in the dark until help arrived.
By the time the police arrived, Diana was thinking clearer. They took her report and made sure she was ok. She remembered the young man and wanted to thank him for staying with her...so she turned to the police officer helping her and asked if she had seen him.
The police officer seemed confused.
"There was no one with you when we arrived," he told her. "You were all alone."
"No, he was with me the whole time." my daughter insisted. The police officer assured her, there had been no one else when they arrived.
I'd like to think, that was my baby's guardian angel, watching over her. I also like to think that her guardian angel watched over her when she drove back home to Georgia, too.
I know how Sam and Nancy felt that night they got their phone call. Relieved that everything was ok but concerned how they would drive back...so we exercise our parental rights to dote.
When you have children, they are the center of your universe.
If you read my blog about the javelina/hog we hit on our way home Christmas weekend, there was another "hog" incident the very next day. Near Houston, I think. A father hit a hog, too - he overcompensated to avoid it and lost control of his car, hit a tree and burst into flames. Another driver, who saw the whole thing, rushed in to help. It turned out the driver of the first car had a young child in the car seat in back. The second driver was able to rescue the young child.
A few days ago, I got a phone call from a very close friend of mine, Cynthia Weber, also a classmate. She was so excited. She was calling to tell me about her good news. Her daughter Melanie, had gotten engaged and they would be getting married December 10, 2010 in Austin.
I whooped, "Oh my gosh! Samantha got engaged, too and her wedding date is December 10, 2010 but in Kyle.
They had gotten engaged within days of each other and now they would be sharing the same wedding date.
"Coincidence?" you ask....
Let me tell you this...Cynthia and I have been sharing coincidences since we were in Kindergarten...right, Shorte? Kindred spirits do that!!!
It reminds me what a small world it is, and how interconnected we are and that no matter where we go, or who we are...we're not alone...ever!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2000 - 2010
It doesn't seem like a whole lot but it's been ten years...a decade. Eighteen years ago, our family moved back to the Rio Grande Valley...this after being gone for 22 years. I was unrecognizable...but I would recognize our classmates anywhere. I found out no one was planning our 30th class reunion.
So I got started. It was 2000 and also the year my oldest daughter graduated. Although my daughters were active in each of their prospective classes, their high school experience was not something they wanted to remember much less celebrate.
I saw things different. I'm not saying my high school experiences were wonderful but it's the kind of stuff that makes you who you are...the precursor to real life choices. It was the memories that I wanted to preserve, and the friendships...it's what got me started organizing the Annual Summer Reunions for Mission High School Class of 1970.
The first one...no one had any photos. It was held at Pepe's on the River (owned by Jalapeno's in McAllen). We had about 50 classmates attend and 25 friends and spouses. No one wanted to have it and this was done with zero expenses. If you wanted to eat or drink...it was on you. Expenses seemed to be the reason no one wanted to continue with the reunions. Seems the Class of 70 was left holding the bag at the last reunion so to speak and the expense came out of unsuspecting classmates. No one wanted to hold another one. Jane De Leon Barratachea and Cita Garza Jimenez were the only two volunteers
I had to do something. Queen of doing things at the most minimal of expenses, I jumped in with all fours and Elva Salinas Boren backed me up.
The second (2001) annual summer reunion provided five photos...here's one of Armando Gonzalez and Refugio Huerta...buds since forever...
We had it at Elva Salinas Boren's home. I think we were about 15 people that showed up.
2002 - Jeanne Valverde Martinez and her husband Steve, opened up their lovely home for this reunion. It was well attended and everyone had a great time. Again minimal expense.
The best time we've had, happened the next night. Jaime Barrera was there.
The following year (2003) we had our reunion at Archie Acevedo's home. It was excellent and well attended. Again, minimal expense. BYOB and food and snacks were brought by everyone.
So it became an annual event. Some years were better than others. Always the local and diehard supporters attended. Rick de la Garza, Fernando de la Garza, Mary Lou Garcia Martinez, Janie De Leon Barratachea, Gloria Gonzalez Pena, ...well, you know who you are.
2004 - Two nights - Archie's and Justice Hall!!! - It was the 4th of July!!!
The second night...Justice Hall!!
It would be the last reunion Celia would attend....
Then there was the 35th. It was our 70's themed party. We gave black lights, psychedelic t-shirts, and posters for door prizes. I was expecting a big turnout. But it was the locals and a few out of town classmates who's support never wavered.
Then there was 2006...it was getting harder but the diehards hung in there.
No pictures for 2007 but 2008 brought two nights... One at Pepe's on the River
The next night in my back yard...
2009 - Brought the planning committee together for the last hurrah...2010
And it finally arrived - Our 40th Class Reunion. - July 9-11, 2010
That was the last ten years. It's been great - but this organizer is hanging up her tennis shoes. Overall, I thank God for the opportunity afforded me. It was great seeing all the wonderful faces, learning new things about old friends, and getting reacquainted with those that made it.
I've been trying to bring people together always... Through Holy Spirit Parrish, at McAllen High School ...at University of Texas-PanAmerican, with My Circle of Friends Couple Group, our class of 1970 and lastly the Divatudes.
I have no regrets -
I have come to realize that friends come and go - it's nature. People come into our lives throughout our lifetimes for different reasons. Some stay a while, some cross your path for a short time, others needed you there for a life lesson. Some walk by your side, others come into your path, full speed and uninvited bringing negative or distructive energy into your life. It's hard to shake those off while you're trying to balance your life.
So I got started. It was 2000 and also the year my oldest daughter graduated. Although my daughters were active in each of their prospective classes, their high school experience was not something they wanted to remember much less celebrate.
I saw things different. I'm not saying my high school experiences were wonderful but it's the kind of stuff that makes you who you are...the precursor to real life choices. It was the memories that I wanted to preserve, and the friendships...it's what got me started organizing the Annual Summer Reunions for Mission High School Class of 1970.
The first one...no one had any photos. It was held at Pepe's on the River (owned by Jalapeno's in McAllen). We had about 50 classmates attend and 25 friends and spouses. No one wanted to have it and this was done with zero expenses. If you wanted to eat or drink...it was on you. Expenses seemed to be the reason no one wanted to continue with the reunions. Seems the Class of 70 was left holding the bag at the last reunion so to speak and the expense came out of unsuspecting classmates. No one wanted to hold another one. Jane De Leon Barratachea and Cita Garza Jimenez were the only two volunteers
I had to do something. Queen of doing things at the most minimal of expenses, I jumped in with all fours and Elva Salinas Boren backed me up.
The second (2001) annual summer reunion provided five photos...here's one of Armando Gonzalez and Refugio Huerta...buds since forever...
We had it at Elva Salinas Boren's home. I think we were about 15 people that showed up.
2002 - Jeanne Valverde Martinez and her husband Steve, opened up their lovely home for this reunion. It was well attended and everyone had a great time. Again minimal expense.
The best time we've had, happened the next night. Jaime Barrera was there.
It was Chango Jerry's and we had a blast!!
The following year (2003) we had our reunion at Archie Acevedo's home. It was excellent and well attended. Again, minimal expense. BYOB and food and snacks were brought by everyone.
So it became an annual event. Some years were better than others. Always the local and diehard supporters attended. Rick de la Garza, Fernando de la Garza, Mary Lou Garcia Martinez, Janie De Leon Barratachea, Gloria Gonzalez Pena, ...well, you know who you are.
2004 - Two nights - Archie's and Justice Hall!!! - It was the 4th of July!!!
The second night...Justice Hall!!
It would be the last reunion Celia would attend....
Then there was the 35th. It was our 70's themed party. We gave black lights, psychedelic t-shirts, and posters for door prizes. I was expecting a big turnout. But it was the locals and a few out of town classmates who's support never wavered.
Then there was 2006...it was getting harder but the diehards hung in there.
No pictures for 2007 but 2008 brought two nights... One at Pepe's on the River
2009 - Brought the planning committee together for the last hurrah...2010
And it finally arrived - Our 40th Class Reunion. - July 9-11, 2010
That was the last ten years. It's been great - but this organizer is hanging up her tennis shoes. Overall, I thank God for the opportunity afforded me. It was great seeing all the wonderful faces, learning new things about old friends, and getting reacquainted with those that made it.
I've been trying to bring people together always... Through Holy Spirit Parrish, at McAllen High School ...at University of Texas-PanAmerican, with My Circle of Friends Couple Group, our class of 1970 and lastly the Divatudes.
I have no regrets -
I have come to realize that friends come and go - it's nature. People come into our lives throughout our lifetimes for different reasons. Some stay a while, some cross your path for a short time, others needed you there for a life lesson. Some walk by your side, others come into your path, full speed and uninvited bringing negative or distructive energy into your life. It's hard to shake those off while you're trying to balance your life.
Friends will come and go, fulfilling their purpose as you did in thiers. A true friend knows you inside out and no matter how far distance separates you, or how long the silence between phone calls, when you resume communication, it's like you just talked yesterday. You bring out the best in each other.
I've tried not to hold on to friends but just let friendship take its course. When a friendship ends, I am grateful for the time and move on. If I end a friendship to keep my life clear from negative influence, I am grateful for what ever that person taught me, for we are only reflections of each other in another place and time.
I used to cry over lost friendships, but life has taught me to let go and know that each one had a reason to be and a purpose in my life. Instead, I'm eternally grateful.
There is one memory though that I wished would have turned out different. That was at our 2005 reunion. John Leidner made the trek from Georgia. It was great seeing John. But I couldn't help but see the disappointment on John's face at his seeing only few to none of his childhood buddies. I wish I could have produced more of his friends.
Maybe we'll get another chance...anyone.....anyone.....anyone!
Here's looking at you kid...see you on Facebook.
IT'S 2011!!!!
Well, that's it! So here's looking forward to the next 10 years, my daughter Sam's wedding, my fabulous husband, my puppies, and the Divatudes... God Bless.
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