Leaving
Childhood’s End
In 1987 I left Texas to spend the summer working at Disney World, selling “taco salads” to tourists at Frontierland. I was lonely and homesick and thought things couldn’t get any worse. Then the unthinkable happened.
8 comments
Sunday, August 29th, 2010, 5:39 pm
Melissa Rose says:
Dear Erasmo Guerro, Your story is heart-warming and yes the ending does make me want to cry. I think, if you haven’t already, you should write your sister Michelle’s story to keep her alive and in the hearts of others. One person out there does know something and even after all these years, it is possible to bring forward Justice for Michelle. Good Luck & God Bless You in all your endeavors.
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010, 10:51 am
MARTHA L. HERRERA says:
Hi Erasmo,
Your story made me cry, not only for the loss of your sister but because your your upbringing bring memories of my own. We lost our father when I was 9 years old the 10th of 14 and still with 8 kids at home when my mother at 44 years of age became a widow. Life was really hard, but we see the challenges and hardships we had are now reflected in our children as they go forward and become successful individuals and great examples of "nothing is impossible".
I have been writing for years our family history and someday I will publish a book on our lives and how it has made us stronger and productive individuals.
Continue writing...I see great talent and relate so well to you as I’m sure many latinos do.
I would like to read the details of your sister Michelle’s murder, please inform me on where I can find the story.
Thank you.
Martha L. Herrera
Cypress, Texas
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010, 9:49 pm
Richard A Alvarado, CPA says:
Erasmo, I am so very moved and touched by your story and your writing. Your description of family life reminded me of my gGrowing up in the barrios of San Antonio...the schools, the attitudes of the 40’s and 50’s. In similar fashion, I too, left SA and never returned there to live. You demonstrate a unique and rare skill in your writing which I hope you will continue. I thank Texas Monthly for this opportunity to convey these toughts. I look forward to reading more from you! RAA - Houston, Tx
Monday, June 14th, 2010, 3:54 pm
michelle says:
I cried. Your pain bleeds through the typed words. May the writing of this tragic time free your soul of some of its anguish. Your sister is gone but she will live on in your words and in your heart, maybe more so than others who are living. You have been given a special gift, may it bring you joy and peace.
Monday, June 14th, 2010, 12:01 am
Rosalinda Saenz says:
I am so saddened about the loss of your sister however am very proud of you. Erasmo, if I may address you by your first name it seems I know you already, I wish I could write as well as you...so far, I only have the first 6 years of my life etched in my mind, however I am inspired by your writing...I’ve often thought of writing about us three sisters as we were referred to "Las Muchachas de Corpos", you see my mother left us with a babysitter and never came back, but our journey in this life began in 1950 on North Beach in Corpus Christi, among Navy dressy whites, and an amusement park that was year around laughter. I never left loneliness until I registered for my first day of school. I have enjoyed your short memoir. I wish you much success, for you are truly talented. Sincerely, Rosie Perez-Saenz
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010, 9:45 am
Imelda says:
I went to school and graduated with Erasmo in 1988. I had one class with Michelle Drivers Ed and remember her bright energy that has never left us and continues in her brother. I first found a short story Erasmo had written in a compilation of Latino short stories about 10 years ago while I was at a used bookstore in Mississippi! I was proud to know him in high school and I am proud to know him now! It is true it is only the tip of the iceberg for him!
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010, 8:13 pm
Maria Limon says:
The story, and its telling, took my breath away. I hope TM invites Mr. Guerra to write other stories. I feel this one is just the tip of the iceberg.
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010, 9:13 am
Kathryn says:
What a poignant story- I live in Mission and was a teacher at the high school where Mo and his sister attended- I remember the horror of that incident- Mr. Guerra has become an inspiring writer- my prayers and blessings to you and your family-
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