Annamaria's Secret (Wednesday Writing...

I know you've heard the rumors, the stories of Annamaria and her priceless pearls. Yet you cannot know the truth unless you read the old books, walk the old paths.

Annamaria was full of spirit and fire, a joy to know. She brought happiness everywhere she went. No, banish those wicked thoughts - there was nothing tawdry about her. She was not bound by convention, but she never descended into cheapness.

"Why do you color your hair such a flaming shade?" I asked her one day, as we sipped iced tea on the front porch.

"To warm the souls of those who see me," she smiled. "They all smile and that makes me happy. I want to make people smile. I want to give them a little joy for their lives."

"What concern is it of yours if they have joy or not?"

"It is everyone's concern. Do you not remember the poem? The one that says we are not islands? If we are all a part, then it is my joy, as well. I must do what I can." Her expression wavered between bewilderment (at my mental density?) and outrage that I did not understand.

"Annamaria, you must not poorly of think me. I have heard the women in the village and the things they say about you. They call you names I would not repeat in your presence. They say only a tramp would wear such a color on her hair. No decent woman would dress as you do or wear such gaudy jewelry." Much as I tried to ignore the voices in the village, they were there. I had to confront her with the facts.

"Esteban, remember this. There is too little caring in the world, too little happiness. I do what I can to change it. I challenge you to do the same." Her level look told me she was sincere in her challenge.

"I promise, little cousin. I will do what I can to change the world."

Only a few months later, Annamaria was dead, strangled by a man who thought she was something she was not. According to the authorities, when she declined his advances, he flew into a rage and killed her. I inherited her few belongings, including the gaudy pearl beads she always wore. The string had been broken in the assault so I took them to be repaired.

The jeweler was the one who recognized the value of the necklace. When the fellow from the auction house came and told me how much to expect for it, I laughed. Surely it must be a joke! But it was not.

The proceeds of that necklace built the orphanage and homeless shelter you see before you. The work program helps those poor unfortunates to learn a trade so they may make their own way. Casa Annamaria is my way of keeping my promise to my little cousin. Her pearls help me to do so.

Do not judge her based on this portrait on the wall. Judge her on the work done within the walls. That is the true secret of Annamaria!