The Obituary
by
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After several more hours of driving,
they were within thirty miles of the
border town of Badajoz. They were
feeling a small amount of relief when
there was a loud bang, but it did not
sound like gunfire. The car began to
pull to one side and they realized
the car blew a tire. They knew the
repair must be done quickly. Being so
close to the border meant the Civil
Guard would be nearby. As they
began changing the tire, a patrol
vehicle approached. It was the Civil
Guard. Antonio cautioned Margie and
Carlos, “Act calmly. Do not panic.
Let me do all of the talking.” The
Guard Captain spoke. “Buenas tardes.
Can we be of some assistance?” he
said in Spanish. Antonio was quick
to answer, “No thank you, we can
manage.” “You know it is dangerous
to travel in these parts” said the
Captain. “This area is known as a
rebel stronghold. Why are you here?”
Antonio continued being the only one
to speak. “My new wife and I are
on holiday. We are headed for
Casablanca but must go through
Portugal.” The Captain demanded
travel documents. “Do you have
papers to prove who you are?”
Antonio handed him the fake marriage
certificate. The Captain examined
the papers. “Everything seems to be
in order.” Antonio pleaded, “We have
only been married a few days and
we are anxious to start our new life
together, if you know what I mean.”
A smile crossed the Captain’s face.
“In that case, let my men assist you
so that you can be on your way.”
Antonio, wanting to distance them
from the Guard said, “That won’t be
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Book Details
About the Book
Mary Farley grew up in an Iowa orphanage. Never being adopted, she ages out from the orphanage and enrolls at Iowa State University as a ward of the state. While there, she becomes best friends with Annie Wilson, a free spirit of similar upbringing. They become nurses and travel with the Red Cross to Europe during WWII. Margie, as she is affectionately known, becomes involved with a patient who teaches her about life and death and the importance of family and survival. She eventually travels to Guatemala with a man she barely knows to keep a promise she made. Her life undergoes many changes, good and bad, while her career choices touch many people. Margie’s exploits become legendary as she is revered by friends, enemies and an entire nation. She is by no means a superwoman. She is merely a survivor. This story follows her exploits from age 10 until her death at age 79.
About the Author
Mario Martinez was born in 1951 and reared in the central California farming community of Corcoran. One of eleven children, he attended college in Arizona. An unsuccessful marriage prompted his return to California where he settled in San Jose in 1981. A retired employee of The County of Santa Clara, he has been married to the former Garnet Osteroos, a North Dakota transplant, since 1984. They live in San Jose, California and have two sons and a daughter. Including his other children, Mr. Martinez has a total of five daughters, three sons and eight grandchildren.
His interests include woodworking, collecting antiques, freelance writing and playing guitar. He plays music alone for relaxation and entertains at local coffee houses. His musical interests vary from classical to Brazilian, contemporary, rock and traditional Mexican songs. He performs songs in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Along with two musically gifted cousins, they provide entertainment at family gatherings and parties. He also plays trumpet and harmonica. His future goals include writing short stories and another novel.