This note is in loving memory of Ana Cristina Alschen. Affectionately known as “Ana”, “Cristina”, “Cristinita”, “Señora” or any variations of these names by her friends and family.
She was born in El Salvador to Julio Montes and Enriqueta Martinez. In early January of 1949, her mother, 8 months into her pregnancy, fell ill and went into labor early on January 6th. Some may argue that my mother’s feisty demeanor (and not my grandmother’s illness) that forced her into premature labor! Since very early in her life, she faced a multitude of challenges since day one. At age three, she contracted polio, which led to years of surgeries and grueling physical therapy. However, these circumstances did not defeat her, instead it was her catalyst to push forward and overcome any obstacle presented to her. At the age of 7, on crutches, she requested a bike and taught herself to ride it. At school, she maintained a perfect grade point average from grammar school through her university years. She learned to drive at the age of 12 and got her license at 15 with the help of her uncle who “inflated” her age by 3 years. Well read and worldly, she loved to converse and fervently debate for hours on a plethora of topics such as politics, religion, music, economics, geography, science and her favorite – sports! Sports represented much more than a game to her. Sports epitomized competitiveness. In addition, they fostered loyalty, required commitment, forced discipline and undoubtedly a lot of persistence – these were the principles she lived by. When people remember her, the words “headstrong”, “tenacious”, “courageous”, “feisty” and “opinionated” come to mind. Her character was strong and she definitely had a presence. Despite her underlying feelings, she had such a self confidence that was admirable. No challenge was above her and nothing was impossible. The sky was the limit!