A Humble Bean and Cheese Burrito

The power of food to transport us back in time is nothing short of miraculous. This weekend, during a visit to San Antonio to relocate our office, I experienced a remarkable journey down memory lane, all thanks to a humble bean and cheese burrito.

As I eagerly unwrapped the foil from around my burrito, the warmth of the tortilla and the faint condensation reminded me of simpler times. With each bite, the familiar flavors of refried beans and cheese triggered a flood of memories from my childhood spent working in the fields under the scorching Texas sun.

Summers were never about camps for us; they were about hard work in the cotton fields. Before the sun had even risen, my family would be out in the fields, tackling the endless rows of cotton that awaited us. I still remember the sight of my mother, her face shielded by a big straw hat, as she handed out foil-wrapped burritos for lunch. Those burritos, filled with love and sustenance, fueled us through the long days of labor.

In my younger years, I would babysit my nieces and nephews while my older sisters toiled away in the fields. Under the shade of a towering tree, my sister Yolanda and I would weave imaginative worlds, finding solace and joy amidst the toil. Her creativity knew no bounds, and her imaginative games provided a much-needed escape from hot days.

As I grew older, I joined my family in the fields, trudging through the wet cotton in the early morning, watching the night’s dew soak my jeans, the detergent bubbles rising and enduring the relentless heat of the Texas summer. The days were long and arduous, but there was a sense of camaraderie among us as we worked side by side, fueled by the rhythm of the music playing from a radio tied to someone’s belt.

Looking back, I realize the immense sacrifices my mother made to ensure our family’s survival. While we toiled away in the fields, she rose before dawn to prepare our meals and tended to the countless chores awaiting her at home. Her days were a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication, a reminder of the strength that lies within each of us.

As I finished my burrito, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the memories it had evoked. In that simple meal, I found echoes of a childhood filled with hard work, laughter, and the unwavering love of family. And though those days may be long gone, their imprint on my heart remains as vivid as ever.