Rosario Morales paints a vivid setting with all of her descriptions that seem to stray from the main story line. This is close to a description of a Mexican soap opera. The family is close knit and over protective of the daughters. The men are very macho but not afraid to cry for their women on the news of their departure. Most importantly, everyone in the neighborhood knows exactly what is going on in every relationship.
             Unfortunately, this is an all too familiar story that has seemed to repeat throughout the history of my side of town. It is said that for those that do not know history, they are doomed to repeat it. If this was true why is there still war and hunger? The leaders of countries past were educated above the common man and women, yet were willing to let thousands die only to repeated call on a cease fire and a state of status quo. Man even with the knowledge of history tends to be chaotic.
             It is not until someone acts against tradition that change occurs. It took Josie to go against all her upbringing and traditions to leave her husband. "Till death do us part," was no longer appropriate. Ramon realizing that he was going to lose her is willing to beg for his love, but would probably not be willing to change for her.
             With the wisdom and insight of her neighbors, Josie chooses her baby over her husband. This was a very hard decision with no silver lining. There will be suffering and sacrifices for Josie and the baby, but it may have a chance to change history. Perhaps our leaders should take this as an example, choosing peace or prosperity (which never co exist) over financial profits and opportunity (which almost always co exist with political decisions).
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