After speaking with undocumented parents, I know what it means to be humbled

*Why you should read this: Because the experience of undocumented families affects us all in one way or another. VL

By Ray Salazar, The White Rhino (2 minute read)  

I never understood what people meant when they said, “I am humbled that . . .” I’ve heard this from famous people accepting awards or from people receiving some grand recognition.

The expression sounded insincere. It actually came off as self-aggrandizing: “Let me try to be ordinary, try to sound unpretentious.” So I never used the expression.

Read more stories about immigrant families in NewsTaco. >> 

But today something happened that made me feel . . . I guess the only way I can describe it is “humble.”

I asked a young man I’ve known for a few months if I could interview him and his family about their lives under a Trump presidency. His parents, who are undocumented, immediately agreed.

They welcomed me into their home, offered me orange juice when I arrived. Even though the parents and I are about the same age, I addressed them as “señor” and “señora.”  They addressed me as “maestro.”

They shared the story of their journey here and their lives, now filled with fear, honestly, comfortably, as if they knew me.

I left their home inspired and more than anything grateful. Despite the fear that undocumented immigrants live in . . . READ MORE