Notes During a Pandemic.
Lynett Gillette
4-9-2020
Yesterday I received an email from Geronimo Garcia, an educator and author who was born and spent his early years in El Rito. We had met last year when he returned from Albuquerque to give a book talk at our library.
His unassuming manner was as deceptive in person as it was in Growing a Runner. Beneath the surface of both rests a remarkable champion’s drive and determination. In competition upon competition across New Mexico and beyond, he outran his opponents – all the way to the trials for the U.S. Olympics. Since those years he has turned to his other passion – education of the youngest members of our communities.
But very recently Gerry again was in El Rito working with photographer and musician Jonah Michea Judy to produce a short video of memories of growing up here. The events that followed that recording session bring us suddenly up to the present moment with our virus-challenged world.
Two weeks after the taping in El Rito Michea’s car was stolen, he went to see his insurance agent, they shook hands. Unknown to them both – the agent had Coronavirus but had no symptoms. When the agent was diagnosed, Michea then self-isolated with his family.
Gerry reports that now Michea, Michea’s wife, and a 10 year-old child all test positive. Michea Judy is 26 years old. They are reportedly doing well and we wish them a quick recovery. Stay safe everybody!
You can view their video below. It was done in one take as there was no opportunity for later editing. Geronimo generously gives the proceeds from Growing a Runner to the Library.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56wsb-pNsHY&feature=youtu.be
Lynett Gillette
4-9-2020
Yesterday I received an email from Geronimo Garcia, an educator and author who was born and spent his early years in El Rito. We had met last year when he returned from Albuquerque to give a book talk at our library.
His unassuming manner was as deceptive in person as it was in Growing a Runner. Beneath the surface of both rests a remarkable champion’s drive and determination. In competition upon competition across New Mexico and beyond, he outran his opponents – all the way to the trials for the U.S. Olympics. Since those years he has turned to his other passion – education of the youngest members of our communities.
But very recently Gerry again was in El Rito working with photographer and musician Jonah Michea Judy to produce a short video of memories of growing up here. The events that followed that recording session bring us suddenly up to the present moment with our virus-challenged world.
Two weeks after the taping in El Rito Michea’s car was stolen, he went to see his insurance agent, they shook hands. Unknown to them both – the agent had Coronavirus but had no symptoms. When the agent was diagnosed, Michea then self-isolated with his family.
Gerry reports that now Michea, Michea’s wife, and a 10 year-old child all test positive. Michea Judy is 26 years old. They are reportedly doing well and we wish them a quick recovery. Stay safe everybody!
You can view their video below. It was done in one take as there was no opportunity for later editing. Geronimo generously gives the proceeds from Growing a Runner to the Library.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56wsb-pNsHY&feature=youtu.be
