Beef Stew,"No Hablo Ingles" & Grandma's Couches

Beef Stew. Love it. Haven't had it in a long time and the cold (ish) weather nearly beggs for it. "please...stay inside today.Cozy up, Enjoy the fog. Chop up some good old fashioned veggies, throw in some meat, and slow cook it up...you know you want to". Oh' I have a fetish with chopping and with slow cooking. Mr. Crockpot certainly makes my top 100 inventors list (and that's saying something) And The beef stew did not disappoint. Not only do you feel healthy eating it with all the fresh ingredients, but it actually can take you places. For me, I was back at the family barn dance in Herriman, UT. Freezing cold, just back from the hay ride, filling up with its warmth. PS-i've found instant potatoes to be a great thickener instead of flour.
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I was sitting in my family room, taking in the scene, feeling so happy and comfortable, loving and being grateful for My Grandma's couches! I've loved them ever since I was a young girl, hanging upside down on them, watching BYU football on them, having family programs on them, sleeping over (and waking up stuck to the leather) on them. They are so smushy, comfy, huge. And even in there old (When did she buy these? Early 80's? We recently found a pair of keys that had been lodged in the base for who knows how long- NY key chain on it...anyone?), well worn, low to the floor (people complain about not being able to get out), structurally insecure state, I am absolutely thrilled that I get to have them in our home. I don't think I could have more perfect couches, and definitely not any other couches that could carry such memories for me. I think I might be one of few people who can say my couches inspire me. Thank you Grandma.
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Anyone who has talked with me within the las few weeks knows that I am a little obsessed with the Presidential Campaign and consider myself my own Political Analyst (and a good one too). Along with this I have taken in some strong feelings about Illegal Immigration. I do not wish to offend anyone with my opinion or experiences.
I had several experiences in Utah where I felt concerned at the use of our tax dollars particularly as I would see US Citizen having to pay thousands of dollars of hospital charges (including myself) and people not legally in this country (or at least without proof of it) being able to walk away with no charge. Something just felt very unjust about that. And now, In San Antonio I have had other incidents, one in particular, where I was basically told (in broken English) that I was not eligible for a city tax funded program (which I contribute hundreds of dollars to monthly) because I had a Social Security card.
I have heard countless stories of people who have loved ones, including spouses, waiting to get everything cleared so that they can come into our country legally. I feel strong stirrings to act somehow. That somethings needs to change. Not because I want something for myself, but because I believe all people can benefit from self-reliance, including this Country. Independence is true freedom.

Having said that, let me share another experience. We have had to have some work done on our home covered under our home owners warranty. On Monday we had a big day planned for house repairs. The first person showed up at 10:00am. I answered the doorbell.
"ummm..."
a hispanic little guy mummbled nervously, seeming intimidated, showing me his tools and pointing inside.
"no hablo ingles".
I actually anticipated this since nearly every person that has come for home repairs tells me the same thing. Of the 9 laborers that came to our home, only 1 spoke English. I wondered if any of them were illegal immigrants. Then I wondered about their lives, their families, wives, children, home life. I just looked at them and felt what I do, everytime I really look at someone~compassion. I felt such love and concern for them. I wanted to cry.They seemed so helpless and humble. So respectful and kind. So cute pretending to understand my humor.
Working on our little problems in our home. I felt like telling them not to worry about the work, to relax, to come enjoy a cup of beef stew. This is me, Ms. "Kick the free loaders out of our country" saying this. The truth is, I firmly believe something needs to be done so that people do not get rewarded (free healthcare, schooling, housing. Estimated at over 10 billion dollars a year- just at the federal gov. level) for coming to this country illegally (Children are ALWAYS an exception). The borders need to be secured, employer guidelines and penalties set, people that are here illegally given the same chance as everyone else who wants to be legal, permanent resident, or citizen (meaning they need to go back home and we need to clean up and possibly simplify this application process). But when it comes down to it, when I see the people, I couldn't be the one to deny them of it. Me, with my brand new house, BORN Into this great land of the free with all it's possibilities. What a miracle. With all that I have. I couldn't enforce it. I guess I'm not suited for the Presidency after all. :)