I am joining the Center for New Americans annual 30 Poems in November “Poem-a-thon” fundraiser in memory of Lucrecia, my first friend, a friendship of 47 years. Lucrecia- our friendship- is foundational to who I am. Born in Honduras, Lucrecia immigrated to the United States with her mother, Rosa, shortly before we met in the parking lot on our first day of kindergarten, September 1978, at Warner School in Springfield, MA. Our moms spoke Spanish with each other as we stood beside them. As four year olds we walked together into Mrs. Shine’s classroom. A sun-filled day.
Lucrecia and her mom made me aware of citizenship in the United States- to the extent that I could understand the abstract concept at a young age. I understood that it was important to them, that they had to prepare for it (there were documents and appointments), that they coveted the opportunity. I understood that I already had this thing, this abstract status. When we were young, Lucrecia taught me the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance- something she had to learn in gaining citizenship. She practiced it to become a citizen by teaching it to me, a citizen.
Lucrecia continued to grow into her determined, fun, joyful, radiant, responsible, smart self driven by working for justice and equitable opportunities for others. Her true self was shared with the world as a parent, spouse, daughter, prima, friend, business owner, and in her career as an immigration attorney in Houston, TX.
Two nights before Lucrecia died in March 2025, she took our moms (whose friendship began there that same day in the Warner School parking lot) to the casino. She shared two photos with me- one of Lucrecia with her mom, and one of our moms together- along with her words “We had a lot of fun.”
For each day of November, I will write and draw in honor of Lucrecia, our friendship, my forever first friend in the world. For the purposes of this fundraising event we will call them ‘poems’- my thanks for the permission and forgiveness in advance to call them that. May those that experience these poems get an insight into the memories and gratitude I have of Lucrecia. Thank you for sponsoring the Poem-a-thon to support the resources that the Center for New Americans provides for immigrants and the promise of enduring, first friendships. Beginnings.
