"Class, let's talk about families," said Professor Sanchez. "Who knows about their family history?"
"I do! I do!" Everybody shouted, raising their hands. One of these students was a boy, Miguel Rivera.
"My ancestors were the Aztecs!" said Carlos.
"My tatarabuelo was from Spain!" Maria piped up.
"My Mama was from New Mexico and my Papa was from Arizona!" said Andrea.
"All right, children, silencio!" Professor Sanchez, spoke. When the class settled down again, she resumed talking. "I see that all of you are familiar with your family history."
All children nodded. "Dia dos los Muertos is right around the corner and this is will be a perfect time for you to learn your family history." She picked up a piece of chalk and wrote the name of the assignment on the chalkboard. "Your homework is to draw a family tree diagram." Sanchez showed the kids how to draw a family tree using herself and family, as an example.
After explaining how a family tree is designed, she passed out the papers which each have a family tree template.
"All you need to do is fill out the names of your family, their birth dates (and death dates, if they passed away). This is due after Dia Dos Los Muertos. Do a good job and have fun!"
The bell rang and every student exited out of the Santa Cecilia Catholic school. Miguel, was feeling excited about his family history assignment. He knew his family history very well. His tatarabuelo, was Hector Rivera. He was a loving man who enjoyed spending time with his wife, Imelda and daughter, Coco.
Hector and Imelda were the ones who established the family shoe store in 1921. Imelda made shoes, while Hector did customer service. (He tried making shoes but he lacked talent in that area). When their daughter came of age, they taught her to make shoes. Next, they taught their son-in-law, Julio, and his sister, Rosita. Then their grandchildren, Victoria and Elena (Abuelita) were roped into the business. And so was Elena's husband, Franco, and their children, Tío Berto, Tía Gloria, and Enrique (Papá), Berto's wife, Tía Carmen and Enrique's wife, Luisa. And now, Miguel and his primos would carry on the family tradition!
Miguel was so lost in his thoughts that he jumped when he heard his friends, Maria and Carlos, calling him.
"Oye, Miguel, mira mira!" Carlos cried, pointing to a poster on a nearby pole. "They are having a musical talent show on Dia Dos Muertos!"
"We are going to sign up!" Maria grinned, liking the idea. "Do you want to join us, Miguel?"
The Rivera boy's smile turned upside down.
If there was one thing that his family strongly disliked, it was music. Nobody was allowed to play music, listen to the radio, watch musicals and music videos, or sing songs. Even hearing the jingle from a Pizza Planet truck, angers Abuelita! The ancient music ban was something that was started by Mama Imelda and Papa Hector had agreed to it, for some reason.
"Oh I don't know," Miguel said, hesitantly. "Abuelita won't allow me."
"You like music!" Maria said.
"Yes, but I play my guitar in secret. My family will freak if they knew!"
"Maybe you should ask your parents," Carlos suggested. "They're more likely to approve than your abuela."
"I don't know."
"Come on, Miguel! This is a one-time opportunity!"
"Okay, maybe I will ask them," Miguel nodded.
"Miguel!" a young female voice called. The boy looked over to see a fourteen year old girl who was waving over to him along with an boy, who looked no older than 19. They were both standing by their pick up truck.
"Oh that must be my cousins, Rosa and Abel. See you tomorrow amigos!" Miguel waved as he walked away from them.
"Bye Miguel!" Carlos and Maria waved back.
"Let's hope they say yes!" Maria whispered to Carlos.
"Yeah but who knows?" Carlos shrugged.