United we stand
Por YADIRA SANCHEZ OLSON
Although no day goes by without its share of beauty and conundrums, last weekend was especially hectic for me.
Not only was it Valentine’s Day, it was also the day I was working and covering a very special event.
Yes, I know ... it stinks to work on a day such as that one, when all you want to do is lay in bed and get fed chocolate kisses by your honey.
But I gotta say, it wasn’t too bad of a day.
I spent most of my day at Gurnee Mills talking to people who were waiting to meet the stars of the oh-so-popular soap opera Más Sabe el Diablo.
And even though I have a tinge of claustrophobia and it was estimated that there were more than 3,000 people clustered in one part of the mall; and I had to be on the outside of the crowd and inside with a coat on (hah, hah, O.K. breathe), I had fun.
People amaze me!
I mean really ... If there is ever any doubt in your mind that Hispanics are not people who are united, caring, fun-loving and loyal, then I’m here to tell you otherwise.
There were some unpleasant moments. I saw a few people get dizzy and pass out because of the heat, and others a bit bothered by the huge crowd, but it was all handled respectfully and with care.
We’re passionate people, no doubt. We’re passionate about the people who entertain us, such as those actors. And we’re passionate about our families.
Out of that sea of people, I don’t think I met anyone who was not there with their family.
I met a Puerto Rican woman from Berwyn who was there with her mom, her sister and her kids. They were all so happy!
Their laughs drew me over to them and before I even presented myself, they were giving me smiles and warm looks.
That is the feeling of community.
And that’s what makes us strong and able to overcome adversity.
Later, I rushed out of the event at the mall and headed over to WKRS in Waukegan, where I was one of the guests in Union Latina, the Spanish radio talk show with Jose Rodriguez and Carmen Patlan.
Thank you Jose for inviting me the show, and thank everyone for making me feel the love of our community and remind me that Latinos – unidos – jamás serán vencidos! (United latinos can never be beaten!)
Please don’t forget to send us your favorite photos and contact information at photos@elconquistadornews.com.
C’mon, I saw plenty of people with cameras that day.
• Yadira Sanchez Olson is the managing editor of El Conquistador. Please send your questions and your comments to ysanchez@shawsuburban.com
