Overwhelming

‘Morning came but the answers didn’t.’--Ian Patrick Williams, A.I. P.I. 

President Clinton must be overwhelmed as his impeachment trial continues. 

I received a THINKING OF YOU card from Marie-Antoinette.  It was very nice, but it was simply dated and signed your cousin with the imprinted words:  To let you know you’re thought of every day and always in a very special way!   

Aren’t I the lucky one.  Too sweet. 

The EURO currency is being introduced in World Markets.  This sounds like a good thing in the long run. The EURO debuted on January 4, 1999.

My cousin MaryAnn sent me an intense email about ANTONIA (Rosalia Antonia Garcia). She is my dad’s first cousin.

Michael, 

I called Antonia today.  She had her 3rd chemo yesterday.  She is doing ok so far.  But she has the flu.  She had to hock more things to buy medicine for her cough and ears.  Then, one of the people she sells tamales to told her he can’t buy form her anymore.  It was a big company, too. 

Michael, her situation is so overwhelming.  I don’t know how she takes it.  I help her all I can. We have her rent paid up but she is trying to get free food now.  It’s so sad.  She works when she can and she has been able to keep her phone paid.  I hope she can get help with the utilities.   

She doesn’t have a license to sell her tamales, so she sells to people she knows.  I gave her Uncle Charles phone number in Denver.  I am hoping he will have family members who will buy her tamales.  She would like more of the family’s phone numbers.  Can you send her an updated list of the ancestry chart?  She wants one.  She needs one with the recent phone and addresses, too.  Maybe one from the reunion?  I told her I would ask you.  Here is her address.  It’s different from the one you gave me: 

Antonia Garcia

PO Box 134 

Evans, Colorado 80620 

Thanks, Michael 

When Jose Mercado (her son) was here I never got to talk to Antonia.  He always told me everything was fine—but it wasn’t.  She pretended she felt fine when she was sick.  She lies to protect him.  She is doing well with the chemo, but she still can’t work like she used to.  She has to borrow money from friends and hock things all the time. 

Floyd (her brother) came through and sent her $200.  She paid bills with that. 

Michael, she stands outside of bars in Wyoming and asks men to buy her tamales.  I don’t know how she does it.  Anyway, she is hopeful everything will work out.  I’m sure it will. Thanks for sending her the chart and phone numbers.  MA 

Alan’s mom, Gloria, sent me a ‘fishy’ card. 

1/25/99 

Dearest Michael, 

Jack and I want to thank you for your continued thoughtful consideration in all ways and just being the wonderful guy you just are.  Knowing you has made our life much richer and happier.  Looking forward to a forever loving relationship. 

Love Always, 

Gloria & Jack 

Peace talks in France are ongoing in an attempt to halt the Kosovo War.  Now that is overwhelming! 

Photo: Antonia (Rosalia) Garcia

I know Jose Mercado (Antonio's son) is attending UCLA for a Theater Arts Masters Program. His uncle Floyd is helping him out with tuition. I plan to see him and Antonia when she comes to visit Los Angeles.

In Memory of ANTONIA, Rosalia Antonia Garcia

b. Jan 27, 1942, d. April 20, 2003

‘Never die of another’s ill luck.  There is great caution needed in helping the drowning without danger to oneself.’--Baltasar Gracian, THE ART OF WORLDLY WISDOM