http://pablotoledo.com/archives/340 I knew it all along. Now you do as well. Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:06:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 http://pablotoledo.com/archives/340/comment-page-1#comment-357 ann Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:24:48 +0000 http://pablotoledo.com/?p=340#comment-357 Today, January 2, 2010. A new beginning that for some reason I am starting by revisiting the past. I met Tata when I was about fourteen so I didn't get to see or experience the backyard boxing first hand. However, the stories were fresh and plentiful. Tata was working for the railroad then, an Inspector that would ensure the safety of the train after every stop. He told me about the life of hobos that rode the rails, always emphasizing the humanistic side of their lives. Enjoying mutual respect, the hobos, knowing it was Tata's job to shoo them off the trains, quietly huddled in dark corners while last inspections were made. Shortly before the engines began to clang and gather steam for their next destination,Tata and the hobos would share Nana's homemade tortillas. If it was a good day, Nana also sent chorizo with scrambled eggs. At times Nana would sit with me and Tata outside and listen to Tata's stories about the hobos. Que va vado! Her favorite saying! She was a link in Tata's one man soup kitchen. Not many knew of his generosity with the hobos, he was never recognized for this kindness, and he never bragged or sought thanks. I believe he is in heaven with his hobo friends talking about trains and when life was lived by the simple "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." RIP Tata, thanks for your lessons. Today, January 2, 2010. A new beginning that for some reason I am starting by revisiting the past. I met Tata when I was about fourteen so I didn't get to see or experience the backyard boxing first hand. However, the stories were fresh and plentiful. Tata was working for the railroad then, an Inspector that would ensure the safety of the train after every stop. He told me about the life of hobos that rode the rails,
always emphasizing the humanistic side of their lives. Enjoying mutual respect, the hobos, knowing it was Tata's job to shoo them off the trains, quietly huddled in dark corners while last inspections were made. Shortly before the engines began to clang and gather steam for their next destination,Tata and the hobos would share Nana's homemade tortillas. If it was a good day, Nana also sent chorizo with scrambled eggs.
At times Nana would sit with me and Tata outside and listen to Tata's stories about the hobos. Que va vado! Her favorite saying!
She was a link in Tata's one man soup kitchen. Not many knew of his generosity with the hobos, he was never recognized for this kindness, and he never bragged or sought thanks.
I believe he is in heaven with his hobo friends talking about trains and when life was lived by the simple
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."
RIP Tata, thanks for your lessons.

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