Preface: The image above was painted by an old friend named Jennifer. Sometime back in 2007, Jennifer and a small group of friends were sitting out in the moonlight sipping beers and smoking cigarettes. Jennifer kept her head down most of the night. When I reached for my keys to leave, she extended her arms and said, “This is for you.”
We Welcome Tomorrow
“We’re in 5th grade!” I said.
Our now-business mentor, Mary, smiled.
I meant it when I said it, but I didn’t know what it meant. If that makes sense.
Sammis|Ochoa was celebrating its 10-year anniversary at this by-the-numbers restaurant called The Rustic.
We were in that gray area of early March 2020. Masks were optional and supposed to protect.
If we had known what the rest of 2020 had in store, we may have toasted a little harder, or maybe hugged a little longer. It would be some time until we would see each other again.
2020 came on the back of a complicated 2019. And 2020 carved a path for an equally challenging 2021.
Sometime a few months ago we turned 12-years-old and entered 7th grade.
I don’t think we’ve seen it all.
But we’ve seen a lot.
And we’re still here.
Masks are no longer required, but I still wear one. You just can’t see it.
I’m smiling underneath.
I welcome tomorrow.
Cheers.
By: Mario Ochoa
