Zen, a 32-year-old from Houston, is visiting family in the valley. She aspires to connect and develop a relationship with them. She's been working on this goal since she was 27 years old, following a life-changing event. She died in a vehicle accident and was resuscitated by paramedics. Life has changed, especially since she was physically unable to continue doing some of her previous activities, such as playing guitar and modeling. She remains strong and cheerful with her new life.
Death knows who we are
We are death's enemy
There's a war every day
This is what we do
So others may live
Zapata, age 65, is originally from Dallas, Texas. He's been on his own since his adoptive parents kicked him out at the age of 12. He spends his days living on the streets of McAllen, Texas, drawing and writing his experiences on paper.
July 17, 2020,
Apryle Pelshaw, 45, is an ICU Nurse in the DHR COVID unit; helping the most critical of patients for months now. That is, until she tested positive herself. She quarantines and has been managing her symptoms at her own home for the past week. Fighting for her own life. She is an extraordinary human, in need of love and support from the community for which she has sacrificed herself for. You're not alone and we see you, Apryle.
“𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴” -𝘈𝘱𝘳𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘸
A Hero's Farewell
July 16, 2020,
Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Ismael Chavez Jr.,both Mcallen Police Officers, gave their lives in the line of duty in service to their community.
A Hero's Farewell
July 08, 2020,
Nurse Honor Guard perform the Nightingale Tribute in front of McAllen Medical Center Hospital. In honor of Lorenza “Lori” Guerrero, fallen to Covid-19, and releasing her from her nursing duties.
Lori's family
Oakley, an entrepreneur and an artist from Austin, Texas. Here, you see him transferring his words from a poem he wrote on paper to the back of a framed painting he managed to sell at the graffiti park. He makes a last attempt to sell off his paintings at this spot before the city permanently closes the site down.
Mr. Sherman is his name and he spends his days at 83 years old at the library reading his newspaper and waiting for the call to work. He is a master electrician, a plumber, air conditioner technician and at times he does lawn care. He gives the credit to the Mexicans of the valley for helping him get some of his traits and licenses. He is a native of the valley since 1974, that is 44 years and considers himself part of the people and culture since he owes so much to them. He sits down with me and shares his stories, travels and life experiences spanning from serving in the Army in 1960s to traveling to different countries on a budget and having to live in the streets until he is able to come back home. He is a storyteller and adventurous soul with a young wild spirit. We also talked about politics, the debate on the caravan and got into the fake history of the moon landings. He thanks me for various topics of conversations we had and before he leaves he expresses the wish to reach 120 years old so he can write a book about everything he has lived through.
Juan Gomez, a native from Reynosa, Mexico who made his way to this side of the border with a work visa. He tells me he was making his way to Louisiana with only $100 something in his pocket to work in the sugar cane fields but due to the recent hurricane, Michael. He now he lives in the streets while he waits for the call to go back to work due to being canceled. He expresses anger to the fact that other workers like him got their bus ticket paid for and he paid for his own out-of-pocket. I offer my help but he explains why he is not comfortable with the idea of a stranger helping him due to bad experiences he has gone through but I help him regardless of his emotion. I sit with him for several minutes and he tells me more about his life and the struggles he has gone through. He expresses his gratitude with tears for helping him.
Juan, 50-year-old native from San Juan, Texas. He hopes to gain some coins from the people passing by in downtown today. He comes to McAllen from San Juan by bus or at times walking as his family works during the day. He is not able to work due to a back injury so he relies on the earnings of begging. He agrees for a photo with only one condition, that he looks good in the photo. We laugh and he tells me he was 16 years old in high school when he was last photographed.
Anthony, has lived his entire 67 years in Honolulu and will be turning 68 soon in a couple of months. He tells me how difficult it is to make a living regardless of his VA money. But, despite his rough life and medical conditions, he still manages to laugh and have a humbling spirit.
Angelina Pena, homeless and a non-believer of love and single for 15 years after her marriage ended. She says before she was homeless and married she was a nun in Mexico. Now, she wanders the streets of Brownsville and confesses the only love she has is for Jesus Christ. She visits the corner of 13th St and Elizabeth St. cleaning the streets and sidewalks for the business nearby. A humbling, well-mannered person she is despite her struggling life.
Sharon informs me that since her husband was imprisoned, she has been homeless for three years. Since her chances of survival in Brownsville are higher than in Harlingen, she moved here. She informs me that she survived a heart attack three weeks ago. It began with a crushing pain in the chest. She also claims to have been raped. She always has a smile on her face and is cheerful. She informs me that, in contrast to the other homeless individuals, she is trying to better her life. She just started studying poetry. She wants to pursue a career in writing.
