Faith of Our Fathers

These are my paternal grandparents, Ricardo and Maria (Canchola) Rodriguez. They are a great example of faith against all odds for them to come to the United States from Mexico. I know Ricardo, my grandfather must have had a very strong impression to make the long train journey from Dolores Hidalgo,Pachuca in Western Mexico.

The silver mines had closed down due to the political and civil unrest between 1911 and 1916. The conflict was resolved after they left Mexico and settled in San Antonio, Texas. They had intended to go to Miami, Arizona but fate had other plans.

It was also a great blessing for Ricardo to relocate his family where he did in the long term. His cousin whom he had gone to look for work before making the move, died a few years later and worked in Arizona where they first had scouted the area.

I am so grateful for my grandfather and his desire to have a better life for his wife and children. He was a hard worker and provided for his family during those economic hardship times of the Depression years. Carlos, my father told us that his father had work during the time others were scraping to make a living. They did not suffer like some did during that economic depression.

I note the way they were elegantly dressed in this photo. It was taken in 1919. It was also very likely that this picture was taken when Maria Canchola, my father's mother was expecting him. He was born November 28, 1919.

I was so pleased to acquire this photo in 2000 or so, and many others though family.

It is a blessing for the hearts that are turned to the fathers and the children to the fathers when it comes to accomplishing the eternal blessings and binding families forever. I pray to be diligent in the cause to bring to pass the immortality and eternal lives of my ancestors. Their faith in me, inspires me to carry on in that great effort all the days of my life.

I know I will be accountable and when I come face to face to them again, I will make a accounting of myself and thank them for their assistance and blessings they were given from my service in their behalves.