Guatelamala
WE THE PEOPLE
LILY HERNANDEZ
CARLOS HERNANDEZ
IRMA
AN
AMERICAN NEW YEARS
THE HERNANDEZ CAST
A
HISTORY OF GUATEMALA
An American New Year: The Carlos Hernandez Story & Guatemala
An American New Year: The Carlos Hernandez Story
With A History Of Guatemala
by. Rock Scarfone
We The People Of The United States Of America
Many Americans end their celebration of new years eve laying claim to their past year's ending resolution; a claim for the world to hear that they will quit, do, or change one thing or another, only to discover them selves repeating the same the following year. Like a chain smoker with a continuity of white tobacco tubes stuck like glue to twittering red lips, a director's baton bouncing to the hectic frenzy beat of smokey notes, striving to bring their addictive band to a glorious, fruitful end, only to discover the revues are the same at next years ending swan song, our Great Nation as a whole has found itself consistently perpetuating similar resolutions of years end commitments only to discover a slippery slope of 30 years of artificial financial bubbles, a dismal lowering of academic standards, and a loss of the commitment of excellence that once drove the United States of America to world envy.
While We The People rage about 1980' Reganomics, the actual fact was that profit and gain were for the few at the expense of many from the fleecing of savings and loans and the dumping of penny stocks on the elderly and other investors by the droves who ultimately lost their retirement funds, their savings, there American Dream..
The National Resolution did not end there, for, once again, while claims still rage of the 1990's Clinton era with its 3 trillion dollar surplus, profit was had through the fleecing of the people through intentionally overstated Internet IPO's and False Energy Offerings.
And by 2000, a centuries end resolution Of We The People By The People was so massive, it touched every portion of the globe. Begot by the US banking, insurance and mortgage industries, and complemented by then iconic TV shows like "Flip This House" and "Money Line", with an added spice of both the President and Congress offering every American a home, drove a stake deep into the middle class by implying that the American Dream could be attained at one single time in one single life time.
Which leads me to my story of an American New Year.
Lily grew up during the periods of the Great Depression and W.W.II, when a bankrupt Guatemala was ruled by successive dictators who continued to oppress the people and allow the influence of United Fruit Company, a United States Corporation with the ear of Allen Dulles, then director of the CIA, and his brother, Secretary Of State John Foster Dulles, to control much of the Guatemala economy. Yet, hardship, sacrifice and worry never altered the path that Lily would take. Lily's roots, well grounded in Guatemalan Mesoamerican and Spanish culture, would eventually blossom into a marriage that produced 5 wonderful children: Patty, Klarima, Carlos, Lilian and Lizardo.
As time went by, Lily would do more than simply teach her children how to survive as she had; she would teach her children their heritage, culture and values. She impressed upon her children the importance of Family, Loyalty and Compassion for others.. especially those less fortunate. And when I write Less Fortunate, the meaning extends to those less fortunate in every or any way - and then she taught them how to dream.
Truth be told, whether she knew it or not, Lily did more than teach her children to dream, she encouraged each and everyone one of her children's dreams. Even when those dreams led to decisions that would mean great emptiness and longing; even when it lead to the long absence and separation of brothers and sisters and family; even when it went against what she believed was important to her children, she stood by each one and ultimately sacrificed her own feelings for those of her offspring. She empowered her children to succeed, and that success would alter their lives for the better of so many others, including We The People Of the United States. For eventually, Lily's second child, Klarima, would be the first sibling of this amazing clan to emigrate to America.
Klarima is a gregarious enthusiastic woman who one does not forget. She is a tall woman when compared with many Guatemalans,or, at the very least, seems much taller due to her fiercely wonderful way of communication. Once you meet this wonderful woman you are not soon to forget her. Yet, she seems to be the type of woman that will absorb the folly of others rather then strike back. In all manners and ways, I must state, if I were a conquistador, attempting to make inroads into a new country, I would, without a doubt, have chosen her to be my first on the ground! Klarisma would emigrate to California and she would become a bright and shining beacon for others in the family, including her brother, and master of the show, Carlos Hernandez.
Carlos Hernandez grew up in an era in Guatemala fraught with even more danger and insecurity than ever before his time; for it was a time when a spoken word could mean retribution -the type of retribution that one never returns from. With a dictatorial military junta in power conducting a bloody campaign of torture, forced disappearances, and "scorched earth" warfare, Carlos Hernandez maintained a dream of a better life.. but not just for himself. You see, Carlos, like his sister Klarima, was never selfish, after all, Carlos was born to the matriarch of his now extensive clan, Lily, and as I have outlined above, Lily had taught her children well.
Carlos worked hard to buy a car - a rarity for much of the populace - and sought opportunity within his country. But it seemed to the young man in his early twenties that his future was in doubt. Opportunity was not beating a path to his door.. in fact, elusive was everything but his dream. Then came the call that would change both the lives of many of Carlos' clan and the very face of America.
Carlos was stuck in the doldrums of an existence rather than a life. He was desperately hoping for employment and was waiting for the answer to his dreams. All Carlos wanted was freedom and opportunity, the two basic covenants of our Great Nation. It was a miracle when he received a phone call from his best friend; a friend who had emigrated to the United States. "Why not come to the States"? was the message. Carlos was being invited to come to the United States. It was a decision that seems simple. Yet, when you think about it, it was a scary proposition at the least. Many Americans simply do not understand the fear of leaving ones loved ones and what they know to travel a great distance to a land they do not know, speaking a language they do not know, surrounded by a people they do not know. Not only that, Carlos did not have the funds to take such a harrowing trip, let alone the income necessary to pay for room and boarding. Where was he to stay? How would he feed himself?
As I have stated above, loyalty seems to be the norm within the Guatemala community. Carlos was about to be rewarded for what Lilly had taught him...his loyalty. His best friend paid for Carlos' trip to Atlanta Georgia, USA. Upon arriving in Atlanta, Carlos was greeted by his friend and thus began the journey of Carlos Hernandez and, eventually, the entire Hernandez Clan, to becoming Guatemalan-Americans.
With the upbringing of his mother Lilly and his formal education, Carlos began working odd jobs until he was ready to make what would become the final cog in the wheel of this life changing story. Carlos traveled to California where his sister Klarima lived along with a large Guatemala Community.
Carlos arrived in California a different person than when he first entered Atlanta. It was this trip that would set the larger stage for the entire Hernandez Clan, for that is where Carlos met Irma.
Like my mother, her mother, and all the relatives on my mothers side, Irma is diminutive in stature. With jet black hair, melodic vocals and astounding beauty, she seems to float the room; at all places, at all times, catering to her guests and her families needs. One feels immediately as if they have known her and her family for a century. When one speaks with her they notice a slight accent that is exotic by its nature yet clear and understanding. I can see why Carlos fell in love with her at first glance.
Carlos met Irma and fell in love. He said to me that when he first saw her he knew that she was the one...... and thus, Carlos married Irma .
Over the following years, the rest of the direct Hernandez Clan would come to America and Irma would give birth to Emmanuel "Manny" Hernandez and Diana Hernandez. Both of these children have been taught their heritage as Lily had taught her children. Both are now in High School ...exceeding all standards.
And now for the reason for this His-Story. My wife, daughter and I were invited to Carlos Hernandez' home to celebrate the recent New Years Eve . It was here and then that I would meet the entire Atlanta Hernandez Clan. It was this gathering that produced an overwhelming desire to write this story. To show America what America is missing, what America has lost and to show that the emigration of those rich with culture, family values and the experience of hardship with a desire for freedom, is the most important agenda for a nation that desires to be successful in the coming global community. It was also at this event that I witnessed the success of the offspring of a first generation Guatemalan family. And finally, it was here that I would meet the descendants of Lily and even their descendants.
Upon arriving at the Carlos Hernandez home we were greeted by by the hard to match hospitality of the Hernandez Family. As sounds and rhythms of joyful familiar greetings continued to echo without end all night, a troop of second and third generation children romped about with glee. There was never a moment where anyone could claim they were bored. It was uncanny that everyone in attendance took time and shared time with everyone else..including the children. The woman took turns caring for several babies while others kept the children playing with zest. One could not take a minute without someone offering something. From awesome cooked dishes, to a Guatemala "salsa like" tomato and cilantro dish, to deserts and drink, every one was sated. Though no one drank too much, an abundance of Cognac, Black Label Crown and the most magnificent rum I have ever had the opportunity to savor, a dark, thick and sweet Guatemala Rum rounded the fair. Irma, as I have stated above, was a most graceful host. She orchestrated the gathered as if conducting a symphony. Though the hard times have hit all and everyone, including Carlos Hernandez' real estate business, the family gathered as one through thick and thin. Before I knew it it was in the wee hours. My family and I had enjoyed this time and learned so much. Your see, these descendants of both Lily and Fransica, and of Carlos Hernando, love this nation and in fact have become AMERICANS. Though they will always have Guatemala in their hearts, and take trips to "the old country" every five years or so to visit other family members and expose their children to their heritage, they, as a whole, are now a part and portion of this Great Nation. They, as a clan, as a family, as a peoples, have integrated into our society and have contributed more than they have taken. Ultimately, I am proud to have shared time and joy with descendants of the oldest society in the northern hemisphere .
Fransica
Mother to Irma and Isaiah and matriarch of Irma' family clan.
Isaiah
Irma' brother married with children (note: will try and update this)
Klarima one child
As i discussed above. Klarima was the first to emigrate. She is a wonderful Mother
and friend to all.
Patty Hernandez & Adolfo. Three Children Veronica, Alex and Gaby.
Veronica is married to Michael they have two children. Veronica, a wonderful and beautiful young woman, is devoted and caters to both her husband and children; not due to any reason other than what is right. She emphasized the fact that a woman should learn how to cook. She promoted family values to my daughter and not in the sense of any religious duty but in that of a familiar duty. Veronica's husband Michael is a no nonsense yet jovial devoted father and husband.
Alex is married to Nina and the father to two children. Alex is a big guy with the looks of a line backer, yet he treats all with care. Alex works with Carlos and he and Nina, who is stunning, are dabbling entrepreneurs A hard working, loving husband and father, this couple were immensely in love.
Gaby is 17 and attending school.
Lilian & Estuardo Two Children: Carla and Emily
Carla is married to Arron. They have two children. It seems that beauty runs deep in the Hernandez family. Carla joined Veronica in the discussion with my daughter of marital responcibilies. She demonstrated that the tradition is alive and well.
Emily single in a relationship with Buddy.
Lizardo
Carlos brother resides in Guatemala
With the help of Wikipedia:
A Short History Of Guatemala
With an estimated population of 12,276,517, Guatemala is a Central America country bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. While a world renown biodiversity hotspot with an abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems, Guatemala is better known for its stunning Mesoamerican heritage.
The first evidence of human settlers in Guatemala dates to at least 12,000 BC. There is evidence that may put this date as early as 18,000 BC, such as obsidian arrow heads found in various parts of the country. There is archaeological proof that early Guatemalan settlers were hunters and gatherers, but pollen samples from Petén and the Pacific coast indicate that maize cultivation was developed by 3500 BC. Sites dating back to 6500 BC have been found in Quiché in the Highlands and Sipacate, Escuintla on the central Pacific coast.
El Mirador was by far the most populated city in pre-Columbian America. Both the El Tigre and Monos pyramids encompass a volume greater than 250,000 cubic meters. Mirador was the first politically organized state in America, named the Kan Kingdom in ancient texts. There were 26 cities, all connected by Sacbeob (highways), which were several kilometers long, up to 40 meters wide, and two to four meters above the ground, paved with stucco, that are clearly distinguishable from the air in the most extensive virgin tropical rain forest in Mesoamerica.
Nakbé, Mid-Preclassic palace remains, in Mirador Basin, PeténThe Classic period of Mesoamerican civilization corresponds to the height of the Maya civilization, and is represented by countless sites throughout Guatemala, although the largest concentration is in Petén. This period is characterized by heavy city-building, the development of independent city-states, and contact with other Mesoamerican cultures.
Although Spanish is the official language, it is not universally spoken among the indigenous population, nor is it often spoken as a second language by the elderly indigenous. Twenty-one Mayan dialects are spoken, especially in rural areas, as well two non-Mayan Amerindian dialects, Xinca, an indigenous dialext, and Garifuna, an Arawakan dialect spoken on the Caribbean coast. According to Decreto Número 19-2003, twenty-three dialects are unrecognized as National Languages. It is common for indigenous Guatemalans to learn or speak between two to five of the nation's other dialects, and Spanish.
About 42% of the population is Ladino, also called Mestizo (mixed Amerindian and Spanish). Whites (primarily of Spanish, but also those of Italian, German, British and Scandinavian descent) make up about 18% of the population. Amerindian populations include the K'iche' 7.1%, Kaqchikel 7.2%, Mam 7.9% and Q'eqchi 6.3%. 7.6% of the population is "other Mayan", 0.4% is indigenous non-Mayan, making the indigenous community in Guatemala about 39% of the population.
The country has 14 ecoregions ranging from Mangrove forests, to both ocean littorals with 5 different ecosystems. Guatemala has 252 listed wetlands, including 5 lakes, 61 lagoons, 100 rivers, and 4 swamps. Tikal National Park was the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guatemala is a country of distinct fauna. It has some 1246 known species. Of these, 6.7% are endemic and 8.1% are threatened. Guatemala is home to at least 8681 species of vascular plants, of which 13.5% are endemic. 5.4% of Guatemala is protected under IUCN categories I-V.
Natural disasters have a long history in this geologically active part of the world. Guatemala's location between the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean makes it a target for hurricanes. Guatemala's highlands lie along the Motagua Fault, part of the boundary between the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates. This fault has been responsible for several major earthquakes in historic times, including a 7.5 magnitude tremor on February 4, 1976 which killed more than 25,000 people. In addition, the Middle America Trench, a major subduction zone lies off the Pacific coast. Here, the Cocos Plate is sinking beneath the Caribbean Plate, producing volcanic activity inland of the coast. Guatemala has 37 volcanoes, four of them are active: Pacaya, Santiaguito, Fuego and Tacaná. Fuego and Pacaya erupted in 2010.
Guatemala has an extensive history of governance which includes periods of Conquest, Subjugation, Revolution, Dictators, CIA Coups, Gurilla Warfare, Civil War and Democracy.
With a medium age of 19 years and a literacy rate of 69.1% of the population over the age of 15, 54 percent of the population remain in poverty.
Guatemala can boast of one Nobel Peace Prize Lauriat in 1992 and one Nobel Prize for Literature in 1967.
A Guatemala Civil War forced many Guatemalans to start lives outside of their country. The majority of the Guatemalan diaspora is located in the United States with estimates ranging from 480,665[29] to 1,489,426.[30] The difficulty in getting accurate counts for Guatemalans abroad is because many of them are refugee claimants awaiting determination of their status
