By Lucretia Burton
The traumas “the pilgrims” have gone through (and even after they get to the United States) are so horrible that we do not ask about them. We just listen if they want to tell. Most hide the traumas very well.
Occasionally someone will arrive in tears and cannot stop talking about the rape, the stolen items, the river, the coyote, the cartel, or what made them leave their own country. That does not happen often.
This young lady, though, did not talk or cry. Neither did she smile after receiving her map and explanations about her rights, as many of them do. She came with her parents, two other adults, and a baby. I gave them food and water and still no smile. Then I saw her shivering and I went over, handed her a backpack, opened it, pulled out a blanket, and wrapped it around her. She gave me a beautiful smile for the first time and said, “You are so nice.” It made me wonder what had caused her distrust of other humans.
What might have happened in our country, that she could not trust those trying to help her? I didn’t ask. I just basked in the beautiful smile and the hugs she and her family gave when they left.
