A Mexican American Story

There's a delicatessen nearby, Izzy's, where I (and the 92 yr old friend I mentioned Sunday who lost her husband last week) meet fairly often for fabulous macaroni and cheese.  I went by Izzy's the day after John died to buy two quarts of the macaroni liquid gold for Nancy, thinking she'll be receiving enough beautiful flowers and boxes of candies and cookies, and she could use something delicious in her refrigerator for when she feels hungry.   Okay, I got her cookies, too, but......her favorite macaroni and cheese was my best idea for what to take to my dear friend.

Buying the food at the take-out counter was a joy.  I met Angel, a young man of Hispanic heritage, who helped me with my order.  He told me that I'd have to wait about 20 minutes for the macaroni and cheese if I didn't mind and I told him that was fine because it was for a special friend who'd lost her husband of almost 69 years the night before.  He quickly looked up and said "My girlfriend died 3 years ago today."   I told him I'd lost my Mr. Z almost 2 years ago, and asked him how he was doing with his loss.  I also asked him what had taken his girlfriend's life.

His girlfriend's parents had saved most of their lives for a luxury trip to Hawaii and had finally left on their flight 3 years ago, only to find out at the airport that they must turn around immediately.  Two of their daughters, one pregnant, and a son, had been killed instantly in a car wreck.  Angel's girlfriend was one of the two girls killed.  Obviously, my heart immediately broke for this family and for Angel who still looks so sad.    I said "Things like this are life changing, aren't they."     Little did I know.

Angel told me his girlfriend's life and death had completely changed him.  "I was a gang member, I'd been knifed, and I've hurt people......I was with a rotten group of guys and knowing her and having her love changed everything.  When she died, I knew I had to go on and believe in myself like she'd believed in me and I haven't looked back."    Angel then introduced me to his father, who's apparently the manager of the kitchen and who had just come out the swinging door.   His father heard Angel tell me he's a rapper and said "would you like to hear Angel rap?"   I said I liked rap music and I'd love to.   I stood there listening to his iphone and hearing some pretty darned good music;  rapping and singing.   Angel told me he's in a band now and hopes to get into music more and more.   I have to admit that I said to Angel "I hope your lyrics give hope instead of the kind about killing cops."  He perked up and said all his lyrics are optimistic,  some talk about God, and none of them are 'the bad stuff you hear'.     By this time, I saw a woman step out from behind the cash register and smile at us and Angel said "That's my MOM!"    "Is he serenading you?" she smiled and asked.   What a great family!  Working together, working hard....

I asked Angel what about his girlfriend had changed him so much.  He told me she believed in him, she stood by him, she encouraged him to study because she was good in school and they studied together.  His grades vastly improved and he's in college now. She loved and believed in him.......that's what changed Angel.   "What about those friends from the past you used to hang with?"   he said "In jail most of the time.....no future, not looking to work, they're nothings and I stay away from them."    I told Angel his parents had obviously put something in him which was good and it was great that his girlfriend brought it out in him again.  He agreed  "they're great parents."    I wondered if he felt that way when he was mired down with all the gang members he knew before.

Angel's parents were old enough not to be in the wave of illegals sneaking across in the last 15 years or so but I don't know their story.  I'll try to talk to them next time I'm there; they were wonderful people, especially Angel, who now has a future because of the love of a girl who believed in him.

Before I left, I said "Angel, do you love this country?"  He said he did....very much.  "Did the friends you hung around with?"   He started laughing but caught himself and looked at me sheepishly "Naa.........they didn't.  Neither did I.  They hate it.  I know now that all you have to do is study and work hard and believe in yourself and this country will reward you;  it might not be soon, but it will because it has opportunity."

Angel was born here...there are many like him.   Sadly, there are many, many like his ex friends....facing futures in jail or no future at all.    I thought you'd like to meet him.
We'd forged a friendship and I look forward to seeing him and his folks again.   I thanked him and wished him the best..."GOD BLESS!" he called after me.

"God bless you, too, Angel."

z