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43 Tamale Ridge by: Chuck Cusimano

“That piece of track between Springer and Maxwell, there at French, has snow drifts six foot

deep and we got to stay put till the track hands can get her cleared off.”

They stopped the train and we got off at Tecolotito and sent word to the ranch where Gilberto’s

brother, Antonio was working.

“I am anxious to see my brother,” said Gilberto, “I have not seen him for five years, when he

left to come to America and find work. However he writes often. I cannot read the letters and

neither can my mother but my younger brothers and sisters have learned to read and write. I help

pay for their education and in turn they share their knowledge with Gilberto. One younger sister

can even read and write a little, in Ingles,” he said.

I asked him what her name was and he continued,

“Her name is Olivia. She has been very interested in learning all that she could and through

communications, with Antonio, she is trying to get enough money to come to America and

further her education. She wants to come to the “land of opportunity” with an advantage. That is

what Antonio has told us all. If you come to America, come prepared. Señor, do you think I will

be prepared to do well in America?”

“Yes, Gilberto,” I told him, “You will do well. You speak well for one that has not attended

the Esquela.”

“I know young people who were born here and did not want to learn. They did not want to

get an education to better their lives. They will probably die with nothing,” I told him.

“It would be a shame to die poor in such a rich country,” Gilberto said.

“Verdad,” I said.

“Señor,” he continued, “will you help Gilberto learn to speak Ingles?”

“Yes,” I answered in English, “we will start today.”

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