From Sin to Serenity: My Father’s Story

Carmen Montemayor Montemayor leaves Mexico at the age of fourteen during the Mexican Revolution in order to avoid being forced to join the federales. He has seen too much pain, sinful slaughter, and suffering and knows that to have a better life and to help his family, he must travel alone to the United States. During this journey, he encounters horrendous storms, beautiful ladies, swollen rivers, a true friendship and camaraderie, and respect from others. Through everything, he never forgets where he is from and who he is from. Nor where he is headed, and keeping padre Dios as his guide and conscience he sets about building his American life and attaining the serenity he seeks. On arriving in the United States, Carmen (Carlos, as he has become known for some unknown reason) finishes his education while staying with his Tia Maria in Pleasanton, Texas. He becomes well-known for his hard work and industriousness. Before too long, he will have his own business and his own family with his beloved Dominga Rodriguez Montemayor. He tells us briefly of his children and their spouses, but his life still centers around God and his beloved Dominga even after she has been gone for many years.