Doña Teresa: An American Story of Familia

By Michael Dribnock

Follow the life of Teresa from the early years in 1925 as a migrant worker to raising a family in San Jose California. Through-out her struggles she remains forever faithful to her religion and her work ethic Her love of children and her values of familia are ones we each should all admire. She not only raises her own children but teaches her grandchildren the power of faith and that above all the need to look out for all family members.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503548183

Michael Dribnock

Michael is a retired teacher who lives with his family in San Jose, California. After he retired he started forming this idea of a fictional family. Overcoming difficulties was always his favorite theme when he taught English. He believes the most important thing for a writer to do is tell a story .After all who doesn’t like a good story. He loves beaches and the ocean where his wife and he go often.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Teresa was looking forward to school starting soon because she knew that it was very important for her to do well in school. It was hard to finish a full school year because she often had to take care of her brothers and sisters who were still very small. One was able for the most part to keep steady employment when he was out working in the fields he found construction jobs to fill in so the family income was doing okay. While walking to school to make sure she would not miss the first day and make sure her name was on the list she saw some American boys playing baseball in a wide alleyway between two buildings. Sometimes American relatives would visit Mexicali to spend time with their families. Teresa was very friendly and like to watch the boys play baseball it was fortunate for her that some of them spoke Spanish very well. Hey you want to see if you can hit the ball one of the boys cried. Hey she’s a girl one of them cried she can’t hit the ball. Come on one of them said let’s show them how wrong they are. You only have three chances they cried so make them count. Teresa slowly stepped to the plate held the bat like she saw them do and waited for the pitch. Crack the sound echoed from the bad and the ball soared out to centerfield. Run, the boys shouted try for all the bases you can do it. Teresa didn’t know it but that baseball moment would later help define her constant desire to do well.

Upon arriving home Juan was talking that Clara as she was lying on her bed looking very pale. What’s wrong mama are you sick? I don’t feel well enough that dad’s taking me to the doctor. We need you to look after your brothers and sisters. Of course mama whatever you want me to do I’m so worried. Teresa’s parents were gone most of the afternoon while they were gone Teresa could not help to remember how pale her mom looked. She felt relieved when she heard her parents coming in the back door and her dad carried mom to the bedroom and laid her on the bed gently. Everyone came in to the bedroom to see how their mom was feeling I’m going to get better mama declared so please don’t worry a little hearts out while mom is recovering Teresa will be here to help you all. Clara will be fine you guys so don’t worry. The doctor said your mom has diabetes and she will have to take medicine and watch what she eats. So don’t worry mom will get better God told me so. Teresa you and I will talk after dinner.

"Teresa I know you like school but I will need you to stay home and take care of your brothers and sisters. Ask Juan.

"Anything, anything to help mama Teresa replied.

The doctor said your mom needs to eat several times a day and take her medicine when she should so I’m counting on you to help her and I know being the oldest you can do it declared Juan.

I will do all I can, replied Teresa" and pray to God each day that mama gets better.

The next few years were difficult for Teresa’s family. There were times when Clara seemed better and then she would have days of apparently being extremely weak. No matter how sick Clara became the whole family went to church every Sunday Teresa constantly prayed for her mother to get better. Medical care in Mexicali during these days for the very poor was very spotty. When Teresa’s brothers and sisters were old enough to attend school Teresa found fieldwork in the mornings while the landowner allowed her to stop so she could be home water brothers and sisters came home from school. The priest often came by to see her mother and make sure she was doing well and eating properly. Teresa started working in the fields more against her father’s wishes. The money she earned was a big help to her family. She enjoyed taking care of her brothers and sisters and kept them from being bullied at school and reminding them to always do their homework.

Teresa’s mother seemed to have gotten better and she had fewer seriously ill days. Clara was concerned about Theresa’s future as she was becoming a young woman. Sally, Jenny, Mercy, Paul, Jessica, and William were getting older now requiring less daily care. Clara knew that Teresa would have a family of her own someday and perhaps Mexicali was not the place. Juan told Clara many men and families were considering moving north to find more steady work. Teresa’s parents felt bad that because of Clara’s illness she had little opportunity to meet a man and start her own family. Clara felt that Teresa needed to find an older man who would keep her safe. Juan reminded Clara that the world is not a safe place even in the North. While moving to the north had its many dangers and uncertainties it seemed to them that was the best way for Teresa to have a better future. My cousin knows someone Clara mentioned. If this is going to work like mama handle it. Juan not a word to Teresa things like this take a little time. Trust me I want the best for Teresa just like you do.

Clara went to the church to see father Sanchez and ask him to write a letter for her to her cousin who knows someone that would be good for Teresa. Father Sanchez reminded Clara that the best of matchmakers is God himself. I know father but sometimes we need to give God a little push. And father you know how strong-willed Teresa is and forcing her to do something she doesn’t want to do is not in God’s cards either. I will help you that we will leave the results where they truly belong in God’s hands.

Chapter 2

Juan could not believe his luck, he had found another job lasting for another year. He couldn’t wait until he got home to tell Clara of the good news. Some Mexican investors purchased some old fields and unused land next to them. His job was to prepare the irrigation canal and redo the irrigation ditches in the old fields to provide freshwater and irrigation. The work would be hard and he would have to work six days a week. But he knew that this was a big help to his struggling family. Clara was healthier now and soon would be able to start working in the fields some of the time. Juan often dreamed of finding a job that he could count on every year. While he was glad he was able to keep working he often worried about the future for his daughters. He knew his son Paul would find work and be able to take care of himself and eventually may be a family.

Clara was thrilled with the news Juan had told her and was relieved to hear he had found work for another year. He told Clara that he was going to have a helper for the next year which will make his job a lot easier. His name is Sebastian and his family lives in central Mexico. He kept traveling to find work so he could send money to his mother. He works very hard and the best part is he can’t think on his feet to do the job more easily. Clara told him that name sounds familiar. I’m going to call my cousin to see if he is the person I’m thinking of. Has he lived in Mexicali long? Where did he come from and how long is he going to stay? I will find out for you but you have to give me time I just met him today.

Juan and Sebastian soon became friends. It was almost like two workers were thinking like one. He had the ability to keep track of the crew to make sure their work was on target. When he started working he rarely talked and concentrated on the work he had to do. Juan like that very much about him; he seemed to have the same work ethic Sebastian talked about wanting to find work in United States. He seemed to think work would be more plentiful. What about your family Juan asked? I have no family Sebastian told him just my elderly mother who lives with my cousin. I haven’t found a wife yet. It’s not easy to find a good woman. I know what you mean by just got lucky when I met Clara at church. Maybe that’s what I should do Sebastian said go to church more.

Upon arriving home Clara couldn’t wait to tell Juan what she found out about Sebastian. He is from a good family and spends most of his time finding work. When he can he sends money to his cousin for his mother’s care. When he traveled here he stopped and worked and found odd jobs on the way. He’s not a heavy drinker and when he finds a job it never misses a day. Why are you so interested in Sebastian asked Juan? We have to think of Teresa’s future and help her choose the right husband. Sometimes God needs a little help in his planning. And how is God going to help may I ask.

Ask Sebastian to come to the Guadalupe Holy Mary Festival on Sunday. Tell him it would look good to the landowner if his workers attend because he gives lots of money to the church. This will give Theresa chance to be introduced and we will be able to see if she sort of likes him. He is new here and this will give them a chance to meet some of our friends.

What if she doesn’t like him? Asked Juan.

Let’s leave that in God’s hands with a little help from her mother replied Clara.

Just remember you can’t force Teresa because she is so strong willed Juan said.

I know I can’t force Teresa to like someone but maybe God will answer my prayers because he’s always answered mine before. That’s why sweetheart you’ve always been able to find work for us. It’s all part of God’s plan I just know it.

Chapter 3

The festival of the one Guadalupe Holy Mary was a citywide celebration in which everyone in Mexicali look forward to and celebrated the activities associated with this religious holiday. Although landowners and business owners allow their workers to take this Saturday off. There was a mass at church around 11 o’clock to pray to the Blessed Virgin for guidance and hope. After mass a parade was held which circled the church and went through the center of town. At the front of the parade the statue of the Blessed Virgin along with the priests and nuns walk slowly to show reverence and prayer. They were followed by a group of young children carrying flowers and singing hymns. The musicians provided musical background for the hymns and Mariachi music. The children also sang many local favorite folksongs to the enjoyment of all. After the parade there was a short break to allow the women to place food on the large tables for everyone to