Summary
Unfortunately, many people are so busy with the daily activities that they forget about the value, experiences, and wisdom of older generations. Grandparents pass away, and their children and grandchildren never learn in detail what worried them in their youth, how their childhood went, and what was their sweetest memory. For this interview, I chose my neighbor, a nice elderly woman in her sixties. Her husband and only child died many years ago, so now she lives alone and often visits us or receives us at her home. There are several reasons why I decided to interview her and not my grandparents. Firstly, this elderly woman always tells some interesting stories from her past, so I thought that this interview would also captivate the readers. Secondly, she no longer has any close people to whom she can tell about her eventful life, which is a necessary therapeutic process for elderly people (Garland, 2016). Finally, it is my way of showing her that I appreciate her.
Interview
What is your name, where were you born, when were you born?
My name is Maria Francisca Castro. My parents moved from Mexico to America in 1956, and I was born two years later, in the winter of 1958. It was a lovely town called Sausalito, and we lived there for fifteen years.
What is your earliest memory? What sound was your earliest memory of sound?
As I age, more and more childhood moments appear in my mind. I believe the earliest one is when my father lifted me and started spinning me in the air. The world was whirling around me, I saw my dad’s happy face and felt like flying. As for my earliest memory of sound… let me think… I am sure that the first heard and remembered sound for many people is the voice of their mom or dad. But for me, it is birdsong. When I was a baby, my parents would often bring me to a quiet park to sleep in the fresh air. I remember how beautifully and loudly the birds sang there, and now for me, this sound means comfort and calmness.
What kind of music did your parents listen to? Did they listen to music in the house? Did they dance? Did the neighbors dance/listen to music? Did anyone you know play a musical instrument?
My parents both missed Mexico and enjoyed the U.S., so they wanted me to get to know the culture of both these countries. That is why they listened to popular American and Latino songs. To be honest, they did not quite like Mexican rock and roll music but allowed me to enjoy it. They bought a small radio, and we danced at home in the evenings, which was our sweet family ritual. I do not really remember my neighbors and their music taste… but an elderly woman on our street played the guitar, and I often came to listen to her. If my parents could afford a guitar, I would learn to play it.
What was your first job? Where was it? Did you like it? Did you like the people you worked with? Can you talk about them?
I wanted to help my parents so much and also did not have many friends. So, when I was fifteen… or sixteen, I cannot remember now… I found my first summer job. It was in a town we recently moved to, in Texas. An owner of a small grocery store hired me to help arrange goods on the shelves and bring customers’ purchases to their homes. I was so scared at first… But I liked making money and seeing my parents happy and proud, so I stayed working there until the next summer. The owner of the store was very kind to me, and after a few months, he entrusted me to sell and deal with money. It was wonderful. And difficult. His wife also helped in the store and treated me like a daughter. I am very grateful to that couple and the positive first job experience they gave me.
What do you and did you like to do in your spare time?
Well, I think I have devoted my whole life to plants. My mother taught me how to grow vegetables, and I loved it very much. So, when I was a teenager, then a mother, and then an elderly woman, in my spare time, I studied plants, looked after my garden, and grew flowers. I also loved to read. Now all my time is free, and I often turn on the TV louder and wander around the house [laughs]. Sometimes I also walk around the city.
What is your job or trade now or what was the last job that you had?
I do not work at the moment as I have some ‘old age’ health problems [laughs]. The last job I had was seven… no, nine years ago. It was when my son passed away… I felt lonely and decided to get distracted. So I was taken to school as a cleaner. Of course, I liked to see the children a lot, but it was also painful, you know. I had to quit my job six months later because my health deteriorated.
What kind of spiritual or religious practice have you had? Did you attend church/mosque/synagogue or any other community gatherings having to do with religious or spiritual practices? Was there music at these services? What kind of music was played?
I am Catholic, as my parents were. We used to attend a Catholic church together, and it was lovely and inspiring. Of course, there was music – free-flowing, calming, and powerful Gregorian chant.
Did you get married? How did you meet your first wife/husband? Describe your wedding. Who was there? What kind of music was there at your wedding if any?
I did. When I was nineteen, I met my future husband in the library – the best place to meet a decent American man [laughs]. Since then, we have not parted until his death. He was my friend, my soulmate. Our wedding was quite modest but sweet and warm. My parents were there, and my dad even shed a tear. Probably, this is what I remember the most. And the way my future husband looked at me that day. His whole family was also there, and our parents talked to each other as if they had known each other all their lives. It was an incredibly wonderful day. We had traditional wedding music, as well as several American and Mexican songs that were popular at the time. Our first dance was to the song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack.
Did you know any musicians personally? How did you know them? What did they play? What do you remember about them and the times you saw them play if you did?
The musicians were my husband’s friends, they had a music band and agreed to play at our wedding. Among other songs, they performed “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel. However, their band broke up soon after the wedding, and I never saw them play again.
Who was the oldest member of your family that you remember before they passed away? Tell me about them.
My family was my mother and father, but it makes me too sad to talk about them, I am sorry. However, I can tell you about my husband’s grandmother. She was just lovely, the sweetest person I have ever met. She would always ask me to read her some love stories, and then she would giggle and blush like a teenage girl. Also, she taught me how to cook my husband’s favorite apple pie… Those evenings we spent with her were wonderful. Several days before she passed away, she gave me her necklace, which was their family jewel. I am wearing it now, look.
What is the biggest change that you see in our society as it is today compared to when you were growing up? Are the challenges the same or different?
Fortunately, the way people treat other people has changed significantly. You know, I love those modern movements in support of women, children, and persons of different sexual orientations. I think this is called LGBT or something like that. And, of course, the way African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and other people are treated today is much better than it used to be when I was young. Nowadays, they are respected more, and I believe this is the biggest change in our society – the acceptance and appreciation of diversities.
Do you have any regrets about the decisions that you made in the past? What are they if you had any?
Well, I cannot say that my life was very successful. I have not achieved anything great or changed the world. However, I would not change a thing. I love my life the way it was, with all my mistakes and all ups and downs. I believe this is how everyone should perceive their journey in this world – each event and all our failures are the lessons we learn to become who we are. Even if there were many bad decisions, it means that there was also a reason for them.
What is your fondest memory?
Seeing my son’s first smile. It was so beautiful, pure, and innocent. I would give anything to see it one more time.
Did any political movement affect your life in a positive or negative way?
No, I do not think so.
How do you perceive the effects of racism on your life if there were any?
Not all people wanted us to come to their country. They thought that all Mexican immigrants had come to America illegally to steal their jobs. They called us cultural parasites. I cannot say that it has seriously affected my life, but some comments were really hurtful.
Have there been any significant changes in your way of life that have been the result of historical events? Have these changes been good or bad?
Mexican immigration to America was a major historical event. As I told you, that was what my parents did. Probably this historical change was the most significant in my life. Otherwise, I would live in Mexico and have an entirely different life.
What do you wish young people would know about today?
Nowadays, everything is possible. I wish young boys and girls knew about their power to change the world for the better, to fight injustice. Modern youth have more opportunities than their parents and grandparents ever imagined. Grab them. Enjoy them.
Reference
Garland, S. B. (2016). Telling their life stories, older adults find peace in looking back. The New York Times. Web.