In Mexico children reign supreme. They celebrate a day they call Children's Day. This is a land of happy children. Some are very poor; all are very happy.
Like many guests here I feel moved to say "Thank you" for all the pleasures and treasures that are enriching my life here. I want to help so many underprivileged children. Unfortunately my purse strings are not as big as my heart! However, I can make a difference in the lives of one family.
I have found the family. They are six little girls aged 1 year to 13. The father who has taught them to beg has finally been thrown out of the house since the beginning proceeds were used to satisfy his thirst for wine.
It is said that children suffer for the sins of the fathers.
The father, accompanied by his adorable 10 year-old daughter named America, engaged me in conversation in Riberas del Pilar, then handed me a note saying that the mother had died and the family was in trouble. This was only one of several future lies. I gave him 100 pesos.
I had mentioned I am living in Hotel Ajijic Plaza Suites. He appeared the next day with little America and had another sad story. I gave him some more money, supposedly for medicine. America was obviously in bad need of a pair of shoes. More money. He did buy the shoes; the cheapest he could find.
Eventually the mother with a year-old baby girl in arms and America and her other four sisters appeared. These are the most adorable little girls one would ever want to meet. They shook my hand and I was immediately in love!
They live up in the hills without running water or electricity. For us northerners this is hard to conceive.
How this family, under these conditions of abject property could produce such adorable happy, lovable, affectionate, well-mannered, well-adjusted little girls is a source of amazement to me. They need so much. Would that I were wealthy!
Little by little I am beginning to make a difference. Shoes were the greatest need; six pairs, including one for the mother. Some outgrown dresses have been replaced. No more need to beg. I am giving them a weekly allowance. I am taking them swimming on Saturdays in the huge pool at La Joya del Lago where I have arranged for them to take swimming lessons. This of course, requires bathing suits, floats, life jackets and beach balls. Then, there is food. We have eaten many a roast chicken!
The pleasure I receive watching these adorable little children jumping, swimming, laughing and playing so nicely together is payment in full for my efforts. There is so much love between them. They unselfishly share everything with each other.
Each one is a mother to that little one year-old baby. They carry her, bounce her around and they are always hugging and kissing her and trying to teach her to say Arturo. They call me Papá Arturo. I have given them several Spanish to English study books and have told them how important it is for them to speak good English. Ana in the copy shop in the Plaza has offered to teach them computer.
I have told them that if they can speak good English and can operate a computer they can get a good job and will never need to ask anyone for money.
I want them to grow up to be proud and independent young women and to be able to help their mother and each other.
They have already learned to say some words in English. The first words they learned were "Arturo, I love you!" They have so much love to give.
Sylvia Flores has offered to teach them the important things that a young Mexican girl needs to know.
These little ones have etched a place in my heart that will be there forever. What greater joy than the pleasure of giving! To see them grow up to be fine young women will be a greater gift to me than my gifts to them.
I will help this one unfortunate family to grow out of this cycle of poverty; to learn English and the computer. Perhaps a martial arts class may be in the future. If funds will allow, I will put them through college if they desire. They can then earn a good income and gain a respected position in the Mexican community, subservient to no one.
Mexico, this is my gift to you!
