erikwinkler

Doña Elida came back! She recognized me right away and hasn´t missed a step at 93 years old. I´m still ¨El Gringito¨ or ¨El Yanquito.¨ We started right where we left off, sitting on the porch in rockers, the same old stories about Miami, some new ones about her childhood on the island, the days spent fishing, and playing with the marbles she used to keep in her toy chest.

I´ve been sleeping every night with the pillow she gave me. I tried explaining to her that I already have four, but she laughed in that high pitched cackle, opening up a closet full of them. ¨I have more than you!¨ she continued laughing. ¨Take another one for your head.¨ She even gave me a small place mat for my table.

Every time I walk into the house she gives me the same tour of the photos that are hanging on the wall. I never manage to get tired of hearing her talk!

Doña Elida with some neighborhood kids