 | I Don’t Cry, But I Remember: A Mexican Immigrant’s Story of Endurance Subjects: Salguero Viviana 1911–2000; Mexican American women -- Colorado -- Biography; Immigrants -- Colorado -- Biography; Mexican Americans -- Cultural assimilation -- Colorado; When Viviana Salguero came to the United States in 1946, she spoke very little English, had never learned to read or write, and had no job skills besides housework or field labor. She worked eighteen-hour days and lived outdoors as often as not. And yet she raised twelve children, shielding them from her abusive husband when she dared, and shared in both the tragedies and accomplishments of her family. Through it all, Viviana never lost her love for Mexico or her gratitude to the United States for what would eventually become a better life. Though her story is unique, Viviana Salguero could be the mother, grandmother, or great-grandmother of immigrants anywhere, struggling with barriers of gender, education, language, and poverty. Joyce Lackie is a professor emeritus of English at the University of Northern Colorado. |
