A Second Chance at Happiness
Corner
Eggy's Recently, I celebrated my second anniversary with my loving and caring family.
It has been 730 days since I left a hell-like place. After two years, I can still
remember the overcrowding, the terrible smell, the small amount of food
provided, and the unforgettable despair on everyone's face. It was beyond my
understanding why I was dropped off at such a place. Despite the sadness, I was
hopeful that they would return to pick me up. But, to my surprise, they never came
back for me.
I don't know much about my childhood, my parents, or my siblings. But, I can
tell you in detail about the yelling, hitting, and threats that I experienced with my first
40 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 27, No. 6, 2021 family. Regardless of my best efforts, the physical and mental abuse never stopped
resulting in my distrust of people.
But, enough with the pity party. I want to focus on my wonderful life and the
family who adopted me. My new life started on Thanksgiving weekend 2019 when
a family of four was looking for someone special to adopt. They were initially
hesitant to bring a stranger home to live with the little ones. But, after much thought,
they decided that they could make a difference in someone's life; luckily, that
someone ended up being me. After a short Thanksgiving drive, they arrived at the
place that should not be named. They were not looking for me specifically. But, after
a short visit with two of my neighbors, they asked to see me.
At first, I was timid and scared. Who am I kidding? I was terrified. They were
four strangers calling my name and trying to pet me. All I could hear was my
neighbors screaming at me not to trust them. But, I decided to give Kerrie a chance,
and my life changed forever. An hour later, I was officially a Montalvan, and we were
driving to my new home aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
Now, I would like to brag about my family. Kerrie, the pack leader, is a power
lifter and holds national and state records; when she speaks the boys listen. Jose,
the husband, is a Marine officer working in recruiting. Luckily for me, I am not the
breed he looks to recruit into the Marine Corps. Ethan, their oldest pup, is a great
student and loves playing soccer. Ean, their youngest pup, is fearless and super
active; he is always on the go. Recently, our family grew by one. They added Oreo,
a pup, to the family. He is hyper and always wants to play; he drives me bonkers,
but he is growing on me.
Our family has been through a lot since I met them, including a pandemic. But,
regardless of the challenge, our family tends to come out on top due to the trust and
love we have for each other. They have accepted me unconditionally, and I have
become an essential family member. I love them for valuing my qualities and
overlooking my faults. Most importantly, I love them because they gave me another
opportunity at happiness. As Christmas approaches, it is my wish that you have the
opportunity to change someone's life, like the Montalvan’s did for me. I am proud
to call myself Trixie Montalvan.
LS
Want to comment or have any questions on this article?
Email us at info@latinastyle.com
By Jose L. Montalvan
Trixie Montalvan.
Trixie Montalvan with his family Jose L. Montalvan (center), Ethan (r),
and Ean (l).