
In April 2011, my husband, Don and I had our first visit to Big Bend National Park.
Maybe it was the 100 degree heat that made the hike down to Boquillas Canyon almost dreamlike.
Or maybe it was the voice we heard echoing up from the Rio Grande that added an eerie quality to our walk.


As we came around the bend, we could see him on our side of the Rio, standing on a mound. In front of him was a metal can with a note. "Donations for Singing Jesus".
"Prohibito." Don tried to warn him when he asked if we had any song requests.
He looked a bit threatening with his serious expression and hands on his hips. His large mustache, cowboy hat and the way he squinted up towards the hill with his binoculars, (looking out for border patrol) made him look a bit intimidating.


I think of you often when I read news about securing the borders and concerns of illegal "aliens". It's been over a year since we met, but you've opened my thinking towards these arguments. You were no alien. You were just a man feeding your family.
I don't have the answers, but I'm reading more and asking more questions. I'm trying to educate myself better to understand the concerns on both sides of the border!