The Age Card

“There is always HOPE...HOPE enough to balance our despair. Or we would be lost.” --Rohinton Mistry, in his novel, A FINE BALANCE 

More letters from family I know and family I don't know were streaming in here and there. I wrote back to my Aunt Esther in Santa Fe, NM and was surprised to receive a new letter so soon.  She was clearly excited to write back to me.  She also provided more insight into her knowledge of our family.  She will be 79 years old on April 20th of this year (1997), so she’s feeling the age card.  I felt a pang in my heart when she wrote about her loneliness.  

Jan. 29, 1997 

Dear Nephew Michael, 

Hope these few lines find you OK.  I am OK.  Why should I complain so much about aches and pains?  Well, it’s my age, I guess.  The older I get the worse I get.  It's awful to get old.  Where there is one thing there is another. I am not feeling good at all but what can I do?  Just wait for God to take me.  Look at my younger brother, Nelson and his brother, Joe.  They both left us here so young—and me, the oldest of my family I’m still here suffering, lonely and depressed since my dear husband left me here alone (when he died on March 7, 1992, almost five years ago).  I’ve been so lonely.   You can figure how bad I feel being alone.  I really missed him after fifty-three years together. 

Well, Michael, sorry I didn’t send you any more details about what you asked me about your dad’s dad, if he had any sisters or brothers.  I really didn’t know any of his family.  I don’t remember him mentioning any sisters or brothers.  I never remembered meeting any of his family.  I can’t tell you anything about his family.  So, I hope you understand.   

What I wrote here on the next page is about part of my family.  I really don’t know any ages—just some of my kids.  I hope it helps you a little.  Nellie can tell you about her kids and grandchildren.  

Love,  

Your Auntie Esther G 

Fortunately for me, I was inspired by my Aunt Esther’s letter to visit the Mormon Temple in Los Angeles where they have an extensive Family Ancestry department with Census Records from across the United States.  I learned the identity of my dad’s grandpa (my great grandfather, Nicolas Jose Armijo).  I learned that my dad’s dad had brothers and sisters.  He had two brothers and two sisters: Teofilo A Armijo b. 1870, Concepcion Armijo b.1875, Jesus M Armijo b. 1876 and Navorsita Armijo b. 1889.  And in addition, I learned something that my dad always wanted to know that he never knew because he died in 1987.  He always wondered who his grandparents on his dad’s side were.  They were NICOLAS JOSE ARMIJO b. 1848 and MARIA JUANITA LOPEZ b. 1842.  I learned this from microfiche old New Mexico Census Records. 

 

I received a thoughtful 'Wyoming' postcard from a new 2nd cousin who resides in Denver (born in 1976), Laura Christine Whithorn.   

Dear “new-found” cousin, 

Hi, I’m Jean’s (from Denver) daughter, Laura.  I go to school at UNM in Albuquerque.  It’s always interesting to learn about relatives you didn’t know about!   

I was wondering if you could do me a favor.  My roommate’s family is from MORA, NM and I wondered if we have any relatives in common.  Could you send me a copy of the family tree you sent my Aunt Mary Ann?  I’d really appreciate it.  My address is Laura Whithorn, UNM, Student Resource Center #620, Albuquerque, NM 87131. 

PS –If Aunt Is (Isabel) hasn’t gotten back to you I will email her about it. 

Your Cousin, 

Laura 

The cool thing about Laura was that I would later meet her in Santiago, Chile while she was touring South America on February 28, 2005. 

PHOTO: Michael Joe Armijo and cousin, Laura C Whithorn-Childers

February 3, 1997 

Dear Michael, 

Thanks for the beautiful Christmas Card. How is everyone?  Your grandma Genevieve was always one of my favorite people.  Say “HI” to all.  I have addresses for most of the family, but I’ve been so busy.  You’ll hear more from me.  I talked to Eddie, he says you and he are gathering info.  I didn’t proofread so please excuse errors. 

I’ve been ill since before Christmas.  I had a double dose of the flu.  Finally doing OK and will correspond on a timely basis.  If you have any questions, please either write to me or call me.  I was very close to your grandmother when they lived in Cerrillos.  Please forgive my delay.  Come and visit us sometime.  I promise to do better next time you write.  

Love and God Bless You, 

Aunt Mollie  

And then comes returned mail.  I had sent a letter to Lorraine (Lori) A Lucero-Mason (a 1st cousin once removed) in Lakewood, Colorado but my inquiry was returned.  Can’t win them all. 

“We all have our ways of rationalizing what we do.” --Eric Van Lustbader, in his book, THE KAISHO