El Soñador” (The Dreamer)

I was born in the village Tacambaro in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. Early in my life, my father taught me how to cultivate corn, beans, and peanuts. It’s been a family tradition for many generations. Riding my horse next to the endless corn fields was my favorite hobby, even if I was the focus of the mad hot sun and starving mosquitoes. I am a courageous man and a proud Mexican. Everything about me is Mexican, my family, my food, my parents, and my mom’s cooking, especially her chicken mole.  I left Mexico and moved to “El Norte” to pursue new sueños.(Dreams)

Shortly after I moved to the United States, while getting into my car at the grocery store, I was hit by a stray bullet. This resulted in complete and permanent paralysis.  But my hopes and dreams were not destroyed. My wishes, my patience and my faith in God are my best qualities. One day I hope to move my hands and feet so I can get out of my wheelchair. When this day comes, I will get inside an airplane and go to Mexico to see my parents while they are alive. And you know what? I’m patient. I can wait. Being a resident at Laguna Honda Hospital has been a positive experience for me. Someday I hope to become a hospital volunteer.