I
The Hot Mom
Leafing over our annual Photobook my youngest came upon a collage of shots from the 20 years Mom Torres and I have courted. Surprised, she stopped at the image of a blonde hottie being embraced by a guy that sort of looks like me but with more hair. She looked up at me and seriously inquired who she was. When I answered
Tamale Toil
A kitchen divided against itself cannot stand. Mom was recently informed that we’d like to try a slight change to her time-tested Tamale recipe. The request came from our home’s CEO. I felt the immediate tension as the deliverer of news and a de facto mediator. But as two-score and eight minutes ago the masa and newer/older ingredients have been laid out and tomorrow’s dinner will be rather special
Guiding Light
After picking up some dry cleaning and making my way to my truck a very tall and quite muscular young black man and a companion walked towards me. He seemed lost in thought and didn’t seem to notice he was in my direct path. As we neared one another he was tugged forcefully by his UCR Blue shirt and in a second snapped by into reality. He apologized to me and with a smile I told him not to mention it. As his much shorter mom and him walked on I overheard her scolding him to pay more attention and he gave out a respectful acknowledgment.
That’s the power of good Moms I suppose
Musing at the Amusement Park
My mama would wake us up way early and while my Squid sisters and I got dressed she finished packing the egg-tortas and stuff into the cooler. My pop made sure he had a couple of VHS tapes ready and the camera was fully charged. We drove a while and parked at either at the Donald lot or Chip & Dale. I think Cars land now lies atop our old spot. The day was long and worth it. We do it different now. I can’t imagine my dad ever hunting for a specific nerd shirt to wear.
Fingerprints now get you in the park. King Kong is digital and most kids don’t know who Boris Karloff is. Then again…lines can still get long, hot is hot in California and most things are way too expensive.
Oh yeah…and New Yorkers still stand out in a crowd!
Moms
Right there on Foothill Avenue while I sat for a light and traffic to move I spotted a momma and her baby walking. The little one with her curly-cues and unsteady feet fell to the cold ground and rightfully gave out a cry. Momma kneeled at her and without words opened her arms to a baby who needed a hug. Once picked up they held each other in embrace and slowly the tragedy came to an end. I’ve now seen many moms do this. My wife, my sisters, many a friends. It’s a gift…one of the most valuable.