Daddy, 93 years old, is the Valentine's Day King at the nursing home

I am the oldest of eight, with all the expectations that come with it. Because I'm also a writer and an artist, I have disappointed my siblings, and my father thinks I'm very successful -- he has to think that, I"m the oldest. My father was a demanding man, a World War II veteran, and a man who dreams of working on his tractor again. He doesn't remember the whippings he gave me, and I barely remember it myself. This year, he's been named the Valentine's Day King at the nursing home where he lives here in San Antonio. I cut his hair last night and gave him a manicure -- "you better make me look good, mija." He's excited, and so am I. He says I'm gonna live to be 100, and that he's gonna leave me his Social Security check. I don't want the first, and I can't get the second. Here we are on his birthday last month. It was his second pinata, ever, and he made a speech thanking all the residents for coming to his party.

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Mary Alice, wife of Henry Cisneros, finds her voice in San Antonio as women battle for Free Speech in the Streets

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A battered woman from San Antonio loses her reporting job

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Today is Tuesday, May 3rd, and so much has happened. A brain tumor. More yoga and walking. A little less combat. Weight dropping. Spirit rising. Back in the city, where I belong. Looking for good photos to give you, organizing my crazy files. And a new President! So much to say, more than beating up on him -- that will only take us so far. Time to hit the streets, challenge the fears that he represents. Don't be afraid, no tengan miedo. If I survived a massive brain tumor -- big as a grapefruit -- we can survive and transcend this. More tomorrow. One day a week from now on.

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