Ode to Christine

My first memory of Christine is at Alex’s house. (She says we met before but it was at La Cucaracha so big surprise that I don’t remember.) A group of us were helping put together a benefit for the workers at the pyramid. Christine walked in the door. “Sorry I’m late. I had to go have my poop checked.” I liked her immediately.

When we met she was a school teacher at a local bi-lingual school. Since then she has worked as an office manager, personal assistant, wedding planner, project manager and most recently, a Real Estate Agent. She has had enough of trying to scratch out a living in Mexico. Shortly she will be moving back to the states.

The truth is San Miguel is not a great place for a young person to make a living. One is never going to get ahead working for someone else. Wages are just too low. If one has sufficient capital and builds a business, there is probably still opportunity; but not as an employee.

Over the years, we have convinced many people that Christine is my daughter. Given that there are 20 years between us, it is possible. And since we are both blonds, people buy it. They are also impressed by what a modern family we are, given Christine’s great relationship with her stepmother Rodrigo.

As a bi-lingual blond attracted to Mexican men, she has left a fair share of broken hearts in her wake. One night, at La Cuca a man wanted to go home with the two of us for a three-way. It took about a nanosecond for us to say that, as close as we are, that would be beyond the scope of our relationship.

We have traveled together, laughed together, fought and cried together. We tease each other, play jokes at each other’s expense, and when drunk we solve the problems of the world. Rod and I know and love her family and when they visit, they are our extended family.

We usually see her multiple times every week and love her beyond words. Her departure will leave a hole in our lives, an emptiness that will be impossible to replace. But this is what is right for her and for her future, so we understand.

And she is taking Mario, her Mexican boyfriend with her. So she got what she came for.

Sorry Christine, but below is your payback for leaving us!