"I AM FROM..."

I Am From…. Por Daniel Escalante   December 1, 2010 I am from Wonder Bread, hot-fresh tortillas right off the comal, cheese enchiladas, bean and beef burritos, boiled hot dogs and BBQ hamburgers. I am from watching and listening to the pigeons and doves for hours in my grandmother's back yard. I am from dusty dirt roads and migrant farmworkers who worked in the fields all day with the whole family. I am from a toy tank that my dad gave me for my 7th birthday…just before he left us forever. I am from watching New Year's fireworks with all my cousins from under big blankets in the back of a pickup truck...while eating menudo. I am from my Nama (grandmother) who taught me how to tie my shoes, how to eat with a tortilla, and the meaning of unconditional love. I am from my mother Elena, who taught me about pushing the envelope and that my possibilities are limitless. I am from "Que Chulo", "Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about", "Use your Chicano ingenuity" and "You are so good!" I am from my little brother Tony who died in his partner's arms after fighting with AIDS for so many years.  I am from my little brother Tony, who helped me learn the meaning of Courage and Warrior.