I think those first months when two people are falling in love and developing an intimate relationship are enchanted and magical. I know this was the case for Eugene and me. The places we went, the thoughtful gifts he gave me were just too perfect for words. One day that really stands out in my memory is the day he gave me his class ring on a chain around my neck. We went to Orono Festival. It was like something out of a Hallmark movie.
One reason we could be so carefree and happy was a privilege neither of was thinking about back then: birthright citizenship. We didn't have to fear government agents raiding his workplace or my school, sending one or both us into danger, splitting us apart probably forever. In Ander & Santi Were Here Jonny Garza gives readers an intimate look at a romance constantly endangered by America's anything but just immigration policies and their cruel enforcement.
Anders was born and has lived in Texas all his life. A recent high school graduate, he's taking a year off before college. He's got a lot to think about: who he wants to be as a mural artist, who the school perceives him as, and whether they are even congruent. He has a residency creating murals through a local agency: Beautify Not Gentrify. And he works at his family's restaurant.
His parents aren't happy that he's taking this year off. They want him officially in college studying for his real career. So his mother fires him and hires an undocumented teen, not having a clue that this will complicate, rather than simplify Anders' life.
Santi and his family have had to flee Mexico. In America he's been separated from his mother and sister. He talks to them on the phone, but it's not the same.
When the boys fall in love it's good for both of them. Anders gets a clearer vision of what he wants his art to be. Santi begins to get a feeling of what home can be.
Unfortunately there's ICE on the hunt.
In his author's note Villa makes a really important point that I haven't seen expressed elsewhere. Many "allies" are only speaking up a certain type of immigrant: "the valedictorian, future first-generation college student who came here as a baby." He ends the piece by saying:
"And I hope that, together, those of us who can will stand side by side with all our undocumented hermanes. Even those who aren't DACA kids, who aren't refugees with a morning-show-worthy backstory, who aren't STEM geniuses. I hope that, together, we can uplift those voices and the voices of all undocumented people to make this world a more just, loving, and moral place."
AMEN TO THAT!!!
On a purrrsonal note, Eugene and I are having quite a weekend. Yesterday we went to a party 🥳 🎉 at the in-laws. I was so happy to get to spend time with Katie, Jacob, and Adam. Pictures, I promise. Today we went on a yard saling road trip. We found lots of good stuff including backpacks and pencils for Backpack Project. Eugene got us subs for lunch. On Tuesday we'll celebrate our 36th anniversary. And I'm every bit as much in love as in those early days I mentioned. Like a Hallmark movie except IRL.
A great big shout out goes out to the one and only Eugene, the love of my life.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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