Ana Lucia Salazar:
CLASS OF 1986
Espanola Valley High SchoolClass of 1986
Espanola, NM
Ana Lucia's Story
I attended Espanola schools 1st grade through 12th grade. By the time I was in high school, all I could think about was leaving town. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my family and the place I grew up, however, too much darkness and despair in the community (mostly due to addiction issues). I came to Albuquerque after graduation to atttend UNM. I have lived in Albuquerque ever since.
The summer after my first year of college (summer of 87?) I was home (Espanola) visiting my mom and dad. I was out cruising (hahaha, those were the days ;) when I met a very handsome man (boy). He was charismatic, smart, funny and sweet. His name was Johnny Moe. Since the day we met that summer, we were a couple. He was still in Espanola and I was in Albuquerque, but one of us would go to the other to be together as much as we could. I have very precious memories of our time together. He would take me on drives in his sweet car (69? T-Bird) and I never wanted to go back home when we were together.
Johnny and I got married on August 5, 1988. We told immediate family to meet at city hall. We had a civil ceremony with brothers, sisters, and parents. We had no money, no party, no reception and OF COURSE no honeymoon. At the at the time, I didn't care about any of that. I just wanted us to be together!! Johnny moved to Albuquerque with me and soon found a job with apartment maintenance. We were young and pretty happy to be where we were. I was still going to school at UNM.
A year after we got married our son Justin was born. I took that year off of school to take care of our baby. When Justin turned 1 I found someone to watch him for a bit while I went back to take more classes at UNM. But....What do you know?!?! I was pregnant with my second baby. My daughter Linnea was born in September 1991. At this point I decided to stay home with my kids until they were in school.
When Linnea started school, I went back to UNM. I graduated in 1999 (FINALLY)! With ...Expand for more
a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. This is now my 13th year teaching 1st Grade and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE teaching this age group.
I was married for 20 years. As I have mentioned, I had much love for my Johnny Moe. Unfortunately as the kids became a bit older and more independent, Johnny began to exhibit some behaviors that concerned me. I tried to convince him to talk to doctor/counselor or anyone who was outside of the family to help. He told me that he was fine and did not need anyone or anything else to help him. The last 10 years of our marriage was a downhill slide with Johnny getting sicker (at the end of his life was finally diagnosed as Bi-Polar). Things at home got very unhealthy and at the end too dangerous for the kids and I to continue living that way. I asked him to move out (for our safety) and a couple of months later asked for a divorce. He never agreed to nor would he go to counseling for help. The divorce was final the end of August 2007. On February 6th. 2008. Johnny Moe took his own life. The kids and I were devastated, and will always carry that sadness within us.
We are all trying to move on with out lives. We lost some friends due to the divorce. We also lost some family support at the time of the divorce and subsequent death. My family, however, has been VERY, VERY supportive and loving throughout.
Justin will be graduating from UNM in the Spring with a degree in psychology and is looking for grad. schools he may want to attend. Linnea is a student at CNM and is also helping other family members who need help and care (both young and old).
I am engaged to the man I thought did not exist. He thinks I am funny and smart. HE is funny, smart, loving, kind, and my best friend. No date for a wedding as neither one of us is in a hurry. I also became a GRANDMA!! My son Justin has a son named Tenzin. Tenzin is now 2 1/2 and PURE JOY!!
Wow!! I am quite "wordy" hahahaha
PEACE, LOVE AND HAPPINESS!!
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