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Are You Fortunate?

by Raquel Rodriguez

16 pages; Saddle stitched; illustrated; catalogue #05-2335; ISBN 1-4120-7439-8; US$7.30, C$8.40, EUR6.00, £4.20

We spend half of our lives in a quest to find happiness. We then spend the other half realizing that we already have it.

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About the Book

About the Author

Excerpts

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About the Book

In one of my trips to Mexico I encountered a strong and determined woman who without knowing taught me a lesson that will stay with me for life. Her name is Petrita. She is an old woman who has lost track of her age and also time.

In a remote location, miles away from anything lives Petrita. She constructed what at first sight seems like a pile of brush and rocks, but in reality it is her home. She has no electricity, gas, or running water, yet she lives her life with passion. Before meeting her, I, like many others was caught in the unending search for happiness. At the time I believed happiness was measured by how much one possessed. Petrita has no material belongings yet her eyes reflect peace and satisfaction. She has a permanent and genuine smile on her face and lives her life to the fullest. Through amazing photographs I was able to capture a typical day in Petrita's life, her everyday struggles and small triumphs. I'm sure my story will impact you and your child as much as it has impacted me.

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About the Author

I was born in Eagle Pass, Texas. Most of my childhood and teen years were spent living in Mexico. I learned about the culture and the role of women in society. I always knew I wanted to break the stereotype, get educated and be more than just a mere extension of my male companion. At age 18 we relocated. We came back to live in the United States. I was faced with a huge challenge. Getting educated had been my goal but my English was very limited. It was a rough road of doubts and insecurities, achievements and satisfactions. Many times I felt like giving up. I always got the strength to continue by visualizing the new life that I wanted for myself. The satisfaction of knowing that I would not add to the latino drop out rate, which was alarming.

After many remedial courses and a few extra years in college I graduated from Sul-Ross State University with a degree in education. I loved teaching children, especially the needy. Those who just like me, had that so familiar look when having to function in an English speaking environment and pass a standardized test for English speakers.

Although I now live in upstate New York, have a different job and children, I still am that Mexican fighter in heart. I try to keep alive my heritage and pass it along to my children.

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Excerpts

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Catalogue Information

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