In the lands of the coffee, from the book, Searching for treasures
Temixco, Morelos, Mexico
“Back in those times, families tended to be large, by far. The more hands to work, the better it was. All worked under a boss or foreman, which in the Paisa families was the father, a totally patriarchal system. In a way, we Paisas still behave in a patriarchal manner, for in our families, the father is the absolute leader. What he says goes, and the rest follow.”
“If you could see the last wills they left behind in those days:
To my son Jon Jairo, I bequeath my carriel saddle-bag and my mud boots, earnestly hoping that someday he will settle that head of his and put them to good use. I have my most severe doubts about that. To my older son Julián, I leave you my saddle and my horse’s trappings to use them with your mare, Caprichosa. I warn you, take care of them so that they will last! They still have much left in them, but only if you mind them. You hear? You have a heavy-hand and damage whatever falls into your grasp! Even though I also bestow my two dress shirts to you, the white ones. Those are for you to wear when you deal with the merchants in town, for when you negotiate the sale of the coffee, the corn, and the yucca. Remember, Julián, they’ll treat you as they see you, and you are now the head of the family and all its business. But, you must learn to take care of them, as well as the farm. Son, no one, gave me these things. They are the product of many years of hard work and a lot of sacrifices done on the way, and sometimes, Julian, you are a son of a bitch…!”
Jean Marie could not help but laugh when he heard this last statement in the will and final wishes, and Jon Jairo joined in the laughter. He then explained how these were the times in which everything had great value, nothing was taken for granted, and even personal belongings were handed down to the next generation. Nothing was thrown away, discarded or neglected!