Acknowledgment

I would like to express my love and gratitude to my grandmother, Teresa Gomez, who this book is about. Who planted this idea in my head unconsciously as she talked endlessly about her plants, most importantly the camelina plant, which is connected to my grandfather, who resides with God.

Mama Tere was an 83-year-old mother, widow, and grandmother who lived in San Cayetano, Guanajuato, Mexico. She lived in a vibrant two-story home that flourished in love. Her belated husband, Memo, built their home as they welcomed 11 children. 

 Raised in a traditional Mexican family, she was brought up with different values and expectations. Working from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the ranch, she learned perseverance and flourished. Now, more than 50 years later, she sat out on the patio and watched the sun peak out.

As she watched the sunrise, she often reflected on the beautiful life she had lived. “Gracias señor mío y madrecita Lupita por darme otro día”, she thought to herself. 

As she thanked God for another day, she thought about all her children. Her children moved, some to El Norte, others to the city, and some to the ranch. All her babies had grown up and created their own families. She was left alone and said so to God as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Solita me ha quedado diosito mío.”

Slowly getting back up, she knew she would have to tend her plants. She turned the hose on, grabbed her gardening gloves, and made her way to the garden. Feeling alone and unmotivated, she began to remove the weeds. 

The weight off her shoulders was lifted the more she tended to her plants. Mamá Tere loved her plants; they were her company in the big, empty house. 

As she watered them, she talked to them and encouraged them to grow. “Mira, grande ya estás, crece mi amor crece.”

As she was finishing up tending to her plants, she heard a small cry behind the Nispero tree. 

Junia, a native camelina plant, hoped help would come. Her leaves were bruised and had been torn. “Aguhh, aughh, ayuda por favor,” Junia cried. 

Afraid of what was behind her, Mama Tere made her way towards the Misperro tree. There, she saw a baby camelina plant severely damaged. The camelina plant was different; she had a mix of pink and orange on her petals. "Oh, no, I must save her,” she thought. 

Junia turned to see an old woman moving the heavy boxes that lay on her body. “Muchas gracias, me llamo Junia y usted?”

Mama Tere smiled and said, “ Hola, soy Mamá Tere.

Mamá Tere began to clear the way to comfort Junia. She brought water and offered it to Junia. Junia accepted and drank all the water, leading to a deep slumber.

Night fell, and Mama Tere left water for Junia. She made her way into her bedroom and remembered a key memory of her belated husband, Memo. 

Memo and Mama Tere walked along the long fields of Maíz. Holding his hand, she felt happy and complete. Memo turned and saw that a camelina plant brush was mixed. The petals were pink and orange. He said to Mama Tere, “Mira mi amor." Mamá Tere was delighted and thought that the plant symbolized them. 

Mama Tere turned off the lights and fell into a deep slumber. 

The next morning, she was awakened by the sound of laughter and strong winds. She happily opened the door, and four children ran into the home. Her daughter, Lala, had come to visit. The kids ran around the house as she made enchiladas for them.