Today- February 22nd. It is a significant date in my mind now, as on this date one year ago I was on my way to Mexico. Beautiful Mexico with even more beautiful people. So, here's to February 22nd, and here's to Mexico and her people - things to be thankful for indeed. However my feelings of joy and thankfulness regarding Mexico meet up with some very different feelings... sadness to name one...
(The below was written around the very end of January/beginning of February)
So, it has now been a little less than a year since my time in Mexico. But Mexico is still at times in front of my mind and on my heart. And... in the news. Ugh. (I don’t have big political agendas but not all things political are just political, some are more personal. And this is personal).
So, it has now been a little less than a year since my time in Mexico. But Mexico is still at times in front of my mind and on my heart. And... in the news. Ugh. (I don’t have big political agendas but not all things political are just political, some are more personal. And this is personal).
Yesterday I met a “Dreamer” - one of the thousands of people who have lived in the U.S. most all of their lives and could be deported. Deported. Taken out of this country from all that they have known. Away from family. Away from friends. Away from all things familiar to them.
I was gathering some ingredients for dinner and looking for Cotija cheese (as well as chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)- not so easy to find in your mainline grocery stores. And, honestly, it doesn’t take much for me to be convinced that it would be a good idea to go to an ethnic grocery store as opposed to the average chain grocery store or big box store. So, I looked up area Hispanic groceries and was soon on my way to better ingredients for dinner.
Before leaving the house, I had the thought to grab one of the Mexico shirts (I have about 5 or so left). So, I did. I arrived at the store and started working my way down my list (with the shirt in my purse- it is a large purse- no surprise to any of you who know about my inability to pack light). While in the store I met one of the employees, Antonio (name changed), who was helping me with a question I had. I asked him where he was from; he was from Mexico. I decided to go out of my comfort zone a bit and share some of my thoughts on current events (namely my sadness over what is going on with Mexico and other countries, in that people from Mexico and other places may not feel welcome here by all- and some people may even have to leave depending on what is decided by the U.S. government). Antonio then shared: “I am one of the Dreamers”.
Wow. He, this nice young man standing in front of me, could be deported. He has committed no crimes, done no harm- but could be taken away from all the life he has known because... why? It makes no sense to me. It is so sad to me. And all the more real and in my face and on my heart since he is right there in front of me. Antonio and I talked some more. He didn’t seem bitter about it or raging in anger by any means. Above all- I think he was sad. Me too.
Hmmm. I have been upset about the possibility of Dreamers being deported ever since I heard about it- but I haven’t done anything about it. Well, thankfully, I met Antonio (name changed) - and that put the issue closer before my eyes and heart (and I’m a bit ashamed I didn’t do anything sooner). So, what to do...
Well, I’m looking into that. I have contacted the Congressmen in my district to share my concerns. And I checked in with Antonio again to see if he had anyone to talk to if he has questions about DACA, his status, his rights, etc. (I had contacted someone prior to going back a second time to the grocery to see if they had any resources regarding immigration. The friend I contacted had given me the name of an attorney who does a lot of work with immigration law). When I saw Antonio, he said he did have a lawyer that he is in contact with- so he didn’t need any additional information. Hoping all goes well for Antonio and the many others in his situation. They are on my heart and mind- and in my prayers. Dios te bendiga, Mexico y Dreamers!