THE GRINGO THEY CALL DON

By Roger Esty

One of the reasons John McCain didn't get elected President was because of his age. He was considered by many voters as old. Funny how Americans view anyone over 30. You're getting long in the tooth. Most of this perception has to do with physical appearances. Skin sags,wrinkles form,hair starts to fall out and turn gray. Might as well throw in all your chips ahead of time because in 50 years (if you last that long)the journey gets worse.

Creaky bones and a cataract are part of my reasons to visit Doctor Sawbones,but I don't feel that I'm of no use. Being a Dago has its advantages when aligning oneself in the pecking order. With Latins it's a custom. A natural feeling.

Yeh,if it's old here in the U.S., we tear it down or put one in a nursing home. I've been to England. The elderly seem older than their years. Not as bad as here,but they're not allowed to remain mainstream as easily.

Maybe that's why this grease ball from Chicago is one day going to gather it all in and move to our home in Jiquilpan. Age in Mexico is connotated with experience. Wisdom has been learned. Given respect goes along with the advancement of years . Women and the young come to the eldery for advice.Notice I said women. Not a bad tradition. The grand parents live with the family. It is never questioned to put the patriarchs and matriarchs in an institution.

In Jiquilpan I've absorbed myself into a Latin way of life. There was no transition. I paint. the cultural center has even provided my with a studio if I wanted. The town folk treat me with respect. The newspaper has written articles about the American artist who's in love with their pueblo. Many of the people call me Don.

I'll grow old in Jiquilpan. Manners and respect are equated with intelligence. If that is the case I will die within a crystal ball.A very old and beautifull one.