| From the Heart: Fiestas and moms |
 May 12, 2011 By Herminia Flores |
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 Again it was a busy weekend. The Mexicans celebrated “El Cinco de Mayo (the First of May). It celebrates the victory of the Mexican Army over French invaders near the City of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Various activities took place during the day. Manuel and I found a good parking space for the van close to East Overland as the festivities are always commenced with a parade. We were fortunate enough to find a shady doorway which afforded Manuel a comfortable place to sit. Then we waited for the action to roll past us. Some parade participants were the Knights of Columbus, the Guadalupano Dancers, Spanish Club and DAV/Disabled American Veterans. Lastly, mounted on their horses, were the “charros” (horsemen in traditional dress) and “vaqueros” (cowboys). The parade was a family and community event. Both sides of the street were lined with spectators of all ages. The fiesta continued at the Guadalupe Center. Robust smells of tempting Mexican food welcomed me at the door. Sure enough, food vendors were selling tacos, enchiladas, pork chile, nachos, etc. One vendor was selling sticky, pink cotton candy, caramel apples bigger than my head, and other carnival confections. The savory enticements were too vivid and my tummy began to whine and complain that it was starving. Alas, all I had in my wallet was a debit card. I decided to forgo the rest of the fiesta and went home. Anyway, Manuel soon treated me to a square burger as is his custom every Saturday. “Although the victory at the Battle of Puebla did not manage to expel the French until 1876, it was a good example of how the Mexicans were strong enough to fight against all odds. Cinco de Mayo has been an important celebration in Mexican heritage ever since.” (edHelper.com) Mothers Day was also a very special celebration. Of course paying tribute to one’s mother transcends all cultures and almost everyone observes this day for mothers to one degree or another. Personally, I happily spend most of the morning at my new church, Templo Fuente de Vida (Fountain of Life Temple). It was a beautiful service with people singing special mother songs. One young man wrote and sang a song in rap for his mother. Other people wrote and recited original poems. Indeed it’s a very gifted congregation. Each woman was given a small gift and either a red or white rose. The custom is that those whose mom is still living wear a red flower and those whose don’t have a mom wear a white flower. Sadly I took home a beautiful white rose. Sister Liz (Pastor Javier Cortez’s wife) shared a very heartfelt message with the congregation. She explained the importance of moms in family. Moms were to be loved and cherished while they still live. “Don’t wait until it’s too late to love and hug your mother,” she encouraged. On the other hand, moms shouldn’t get weary of praying for their family, even when they are being less than pleasant. Yes, most of us cried like babies. After church, Manuel took me out to eat. I devoured a big, fat chicken fried steak smothered in a sea of white gravy and it was accompanied by a mountain of French fries. Yummy! Don’t tell my doctor, OK? It was a busy weekend, but I wouldn’t have done anything differently. Happy late Mothers Day to all my deserving Gering Citizen moms! God bless and keep you! “For You, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. You will prolong the king’s life, His years as many generations. He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!” (Psalm 61:5) |
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