There comes a time when you must put things in writing before they are forgotten and lost forever. That even applies today in spite of the highly advanced society we live in. In this rural community on the river banks of the Rio Grande in the early 1900s when illiteracy predominated,
There comes a time when you must put things in writing before they are forgotten and lost forever. That even applies today in spite of the highly advanced society we live in. In this rural community on the river banks of the Rio Grande in the early 1900s when illiteracy predominated, the history and identity of its residents were preserved by story-telling. These "cuentos" often left much to the imagination but still were very entertaining, vivid and memorable (not to be confused with tall-tales).
One of the very first stories that I remember hearing was that of a bigger-than-life character who happened to be my grandfather, Don Juan. We were all fascinated by how this man was able to win the admiration and respect of his neighbours at least enough to have stories told about him. Although they were all survivors, they were also all interdependent, and looked for an orientation that could make them believe in themselves.
In spite of the many and varied challenges they confronted, many like Don Juan provided a perspective of right and wrong, of commitment to family, of surviving untold suffering, but also of purpose to continue. This story provides a sampling of how this rural community in "El Capote" ranch sought its own destiny from the bare essentials that the river lands could provide. Don Juan may not have been a legend, but he was a pilar of strength, faith and loyalty to a way of life many had no choice but to embrace.
Eduardo Saldan a Cantu is a geneticist whose career focused on applying the study of chromosomes to medicine (pediatrics and cancer). He held academic positions in major medical schools and authored over 35 scientific publications. Eduardo also worked in major commercial laboratories as director of clinical cytogenetics. However, his dream was to write about earlier days in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where he grew up in a world almost forgotten by history. He wanted to write stories only known by the spoken word. Dr. Cantu is an avid "birder" who enjoys the RGV which is truly a paradise of birds.
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