I am my ancestors' wildest dreams!

What is a dream??A dream can be simply defined as a series of thoughts, images, and sensations that arise in the mind during sleep. Yet, it's also more than that. It's the ethereal realm where we contemplate the possibility of achieving something extraordinary, or where we indulge in the fantasies of our heart's deepest desires.?

But here's the twist: what if our dreams were more than just a fleeting escapade in the night? What if they were the echoes of the aspirations of our ancestors, whispering through the corridors of time? To presume that those who came before us once dreamt of the reality we find ourselves in today is a thought that leaves me in?deep thought.?

What does it all mean, this unbroken chain of dreams spanning generations? What new responsibilities does it place upon our shoulders, as we find ourselves living in a world our forebears could only have imagined? It prompts a profound introspection: What do I expect of myself in this unique position, and how will it shape the expectations we set for the generations yet to come? ?

As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, my thoughts are consumed by reflections on my heritage and ancestry, which transport me back to a time before I stepped foot in The United States. It brings me back to my home country of Guatemala. A Central American country distinguished by its rich indigenous culture, particularly prevalent within its interior uplands. Interestingly, the name "Guatemala" is believed to be derived from the Mayan word "Guhatezmalha," which translates to "mountain of vomiting water." This name likely alludes to the many volcanoes and their eruptions. That land is where my heritage and ancestry proudly begin.?

During my formative years in Guatemala, history was one of my favorite subjects in school. I distinctly recall my deep appreciation for learning about the extensive history of my roots, tracing back to the ancient Mayan civilization. I recall it creating a sense of pride which has become an integral part of my identity, a flame ignited by the remarkable tale of Guatemala's National Hero, Tecún Umán. Tecún Umán, who came into the world around 1500 in the Guatemalan highlands, stands as a formidable symbol of resistance and courage. He assumed leadership among the K'iche', one of the indigenous groups that staunchly resisted the advances of the Spanish conquistadors as they encroached upon their lands. It is believed that Tecún was the offspring of one of the four lords who governed the K'iche' during that era, bearing immense responsibilities on his young shoulders.?

In a pivotal moment of history, Tecún faced the daunting task of leading the K'iche' army, comprising over 7,000 warriors, against the formidable Spanish invaders. The legend of Tecún Umán is one that continues to stir the hearts of Guatemalans. It is said that on February 12, 1524, Tecún entered battle adorned in Quetzal feathers, symbolizing his connection to the land and its rich traditions. In a tragic twist of fate, Tecún, encountering Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado, mistook his horse for a single creature and attacked. Seizing this moment of confusion, Pedro struck the K'iche' prince with a fatal blow to the chest.?

As Tecún breathed his last on that battlefield, his nahual companion, an attendant animal spirit deeply rooted in many Mesoamerican belief systems, perched upon his chest, its beautiful green feathers soaked in his blood. It's a poignant image that has endured through generations and lends symbolism to the red-chested male quetzals. Throughout my upbringing, the legend of Tecún Umán resonated through the halls of my school, and every February 20th, his memory was celebrated with deep reverence and pride. Guatemala's rich heritage, embodied in the spirit of Tecún Umán, continues to inspire me, reminding me of the strength and resilience passed down through generations from my ancestors. ?

This legend also prompts me to ponder: What if the aforementioned unbroken chain of dreams, spanning generations, along with the responsibilities that these dreams place on our shoulders, were simply dreams of us always confronting adversity with pride, resistance, and courage? What if, like Tecún Umán, by facing adversity head-on and wearing our battle scars with pride, we are fulfilling the wildest dreams of our ancestors? Those same battle scars bear witness to our resilience, and through it, the memories of those who came before us endure. So, let us stand resolute in resistance, for it forms the foundation of our strength. Let us summon the courage that resides within us, for it is the spark that kindles our spirit. By confronting adversity with pride, resistance, and courage, we not only unearth the depths of our own potential but also embody the invincible triumph of the human spirit, thus portraying our ancestors' wildest dreams.

As I sit here typing this article, I look to art, in the form of a tattoo, to showcase the essence of what I wrote in this article. Tattoos, in some ways, share similarities with scars and this "scar" is certainly one that I will wear with pride. The tattoo is not only meant to pay tribute to the legend of Tecún, but also to honor the cherished memory of my ancestry and heritage-- and honor my ancestors' wildest dreams!

Que viva la herencia, que viva la gente y que viva la raza!

Wishing you all a happy Hispanic Heritage Month!