The door to the small house creaked open, and Ejercito de Juan entered while trying to balance what was in his hand. It was a small cake with two birthday candles on it.
One candle for each of his two twin daughters on their shared 7th birthday.
Since he had illegally crossed the US-Mexico border before Golden Pro Wrestling Season one, he had been able to save his money and buy passage for each of his family members.
First his brother, Pedro, who was just as hard of a worker as Juan. Then Juan paid for his mother, Isabella. His mother was also just as hard of a worker as Juan.
Finally, Juan was able to buy transportation for his wife and children to travel from Tijuana to Memphis. Now, they all lived together in a small home on the outskirts of the Tennessee city.
His wife, Maria, peeked her head around the corner and smiled at her husband. She loved Juan, and everything he had accomplished; to go to the United States and become a professional wrestler, and to bring his entire family along with him.
Juan’s selflessness and endless efforts to better their lives were what Maria loved most about him.
Maria quickly walked over with a lighter and lit the two birthday candles. Their twin daughters were playing in the backroom and did not expect to see their father on their shared birthday. They were told that he had to work an extra shift, but Juan and Isabella had secretly planned this surprise moment.
As Juan and Maria approached the bedroom, Tío Pedro and Abuela Isabella joined them, and the family began to softly sing the Canción de cumpleaños.
Feliz cumpleaños…
feliz cumpleaños…
The group of Mexican immigrant adults opened the door to the girls’ bedroom and found them both on the floor playing.
¡Feliz cumpleaños, queridas Julia y Sofía…
¡Feliz cumpleaños!
The girls looked up at their mother and father with tears in their eyes and quickly got up and rushed them for impromptu hugs. Juan and Maria bent down and embraced them lovingly.
This family and these moments were what pushed Juan to work his hardest and try his best.
All illustrations from the talented David G.
