The Returning of Freedom

The Returning of Freedom

For Elvira and Saul Arellano

by Mario Rocha

August 24, 2007

One year ago today, I walked out of the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail a free man. People continue to ask me to describe that moment and many times, I have unsuccessfully attempted. 

What words exist that can capture what I felt as I took my first steps onto the sidewalk that quiet summer day and finally... finally... FINALLY received the chance to squeeze my entire family (which now included a mob of little people – my nephews and nieces) in one single embrace? "Milagroso" (miraculous) is one adjective that comes to mind. "Victorioso" (victorious) is another – my mother, Vicky, has her name rooted in it. If there is one symbol that epitomizes the great victory that I experienced that day, it was of my mother and me holding hands as we crossed the street. I reached for her hand as we made our way towards the car – afraid of not knowing where to go, who to follow, how to be . . . free.

Today, I imagine what young Saul Arellano must have felt as his mother Elvira sat in a prison cell awaiting deportation, as he reached for her hand in his day dreams and midnight reveries. One year after my release, I feel it is my civic responsibility and moral obligation to stand up for Elvira, for Saul, and for every other human being who is unjustly persecuted for simply being who they are – in Elvira's case, for being a mother.

I too have felt the pain of separation. I see image after image of Elvira and Saul, mother and child – but in many ways these photographs are of me and my mother; they are images of all the young people that I grew up with in juvenile hall (and eventually prison) and their mothers; they are images of all the children and their parents who bravely risk their lives in order to secure a better and brighter future for us on this side of the border.  They are the images of my generation and our ancestors, who, by breaking an unjust and unnatural law crossed a man-made border, and actually tried to mend the huge and horrific gap between the haves and have-nots, the privileged and the poor. 

On my one year anniversary of Freedom, I ask everyone I know to send Elvira and Saul their most positive and hopeful energy. As a former prisoner, I know it does make a difference.  There was a time when I could feel the light of hope seep through the cracks of my cell, especially when I found myself in isolation and nearly everyone around turned against me, and some even wanted me dead.  It was this transmission of love that enabled me to hold on and not lose my grip. It was this sense of hope on the outside that preserved my sanity on the inside

One year ago today, I stepped out into the world, reborn in a sense. Cocooned in the cage of injustice for ten and half years, from age 16 to 27, I emerged like the monarch butterflies in August, when they begin their southward journey to the place where the warrior spirits rest. The monarchs endure a two-month migration from August to October from the Rocky Colorado Mountains to the green sanctuaries of Michoacan– where Elvira Arellano was born, raised, and began her ongoing quest for freedom and justice. The People of this land belive the returning monarchs contain the souls of lost warriors. Far from lost, Elvira's warrior spirit continues in struggle.  Perhaps the monarchs will conspire, this October, with those who lived in this land and nurtured it for centuries before the claws of imperialism stabbed the sacred soil and created a huge hole in the heart of humanity.  Perhaps they will plot to reunite Saul and Elvira, the way my mother and I were reunited one year ago today.

Comments

[Maetzin]

Mario I am very happy for you, especially now more than ever to see you out here on the outside with your family and loved ones. Reading "The Returning of Freedom" was very touching, it brings me joy to see the many things you have come to accomplish in just one year. Now Mario you have many more obstacles to overcome in your fight for justice but don't you ever give up. Keep fighting for what you deserve. Suerte amigo! You have my full love and support. Like you always used to tell me, "Si Se Puede."

Mucha Suerte to you and your family...

Love from your good friend,

Maetzin

--mae

[Ernesto Elizondo]

I am a mexican criminal lawyer, I saw the documentary about your case and I found it really impressive for everything (moslty for the courage of you, your mother and the sister).
A very painful situation not always brings an enormous happiness and I am prety sure that you are aware of this. Becuase this things happens, I perform pro bono work for people sentenced unfairly or victims of crimes who can not afford a lawyer. So, in case my help could be useful for any unfair situation that you know, please let me know. Stay motivated Mario y porque no hicieron ese documental con subtitulos en español?, traten de venderlo con subtitulos en español; es interesante dar a conocer tu caso.
Congratulations & bravo for your victory!,
E Elizondo

[Ernesto Elizondo]

I am a mexican criminal lawyer, I saw the documentary about your case and I found it really impressive for everything (moslty for the courage of you, your mother and the sister).
A very painful situation not always brings an enormous happiness and I am prety sure that you are aware of this. Becuase this things happens, I perform pro bono work for people sentenced unfairly or victims of crimes who can not afford a lawyer. So, in case my help could be useful for any unfair situation that you know, please let me know. Stay motivated Mario y porque no hicieron ese documental con subtitulos en español?, traten de venderlo con subtitulos en español; es interesante dar a conocer tu caso.
Congratulations & bravo for your victory!,
E Elizondo

[Matthew Jacobs]

I just watched the documentary about your situation and I am curious about the new lawsuit against you. What is the status of you situation?

[Gabriele Kelly]

Hola Mario,Como esta? Congrats on your release! Libere en el ultimo! I watched your documentary today and was very touched by it like most people. I have a very good friend who is in the same situation you were in. Mexican, born and raised in Il. He was 20 at the time and now is 27 also charged with murder which he did not commit. Same lay out like yours.He got Life without the possibility of parole in IL. State Prison. He wants to appeal but has no way of doing his research. Do you have any suggestions what he shoud do? He cant get into the libary and it seems they always being put on lock down.If you happen to know how to contact Mr. Ernesto Elizondo, could you please let me know? Any suggestion would be appreciate it. Good luck to you and your family. El dios le bendice!
gabrielekelly@hotmail.com

[hope]

I would like to know where and how mario is today, may 25, 2008? i wish the very best for him, he deserves the greatest .

[TJ]

Mario ~ I saw the documentary last night and I was amazed and impressed with calm and perseverance in such an awful situation. The writing samples I heard in the documentary moved me and I hope that you continue to write. If you published a book, I promise I would read it. Good luck to you.

[liz]

Mario, I watched your story for the first time in my writing class and it amazed me on how you were strong and kept a good attitude. You inspired me to just be grateful for what i have been given. Mario when i get one of your books i promise tears will start coming down but i really want to collect your books and just read them over and over and watch the dvd over and over. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.

[Debbie]

I just watched the movie as well and i have to say i was really touched,...
I would also like to know how Mario is today and wish him and his family all the best, If the world was full of Marios it would be a better world.
God Bless you and yours
Debbie

[Hector Ruben Soto]

Hello Mario,

I watched your story in the form of a documentary, and I was profoundly affected by it. You have the true mark of what is at the core of our human existence, strength and unwavering belief in truth.

Thank you for sharing your life with the rest of us.

Hector Ruben Soto

[Azul]

I, watched the documentary on your story last night and again this evening because I had to share with my 14 year old and I have to say, I cried through most of it(twice). It was very frustrating for me to see how time after time appeals or motions your lawyers submitted would be rejected. Not to mention the attacks you suffered while incarcerated, not knowing if you were okay and that the personnel at the Prison were sketchy with your status and whereabouts THAT REALLY INFURIATED ME!

Your endurance, strength, will power and optimism thought it all shows your character and it is an admirable one.
You young man, have a great spirit.
Thank you and the crew (all involved) for sharing your story and making us aware of the repercussions of a neglectful system.
By the way, what ever happened to the D.A.'s countersuite?

Blessings to you and yours.
My Best,
Azul

[x-ray fluorescence]

Hi,
I watched your story for the first time in my writing class and it amazed me on how you were strong and kept a good attitude.

[Heriberto Vizcarra]

Sorprendente. You, your family, friends and supporters have done something that is almost impossible, conquering the deeply failed american judiciary system. I can't begin to express my admiration for you, that you seemed to have kept the goodness inside in spite of the despair and corruption around you, that you have lost so many years, so many important phases of your life. I will pray that you have come to be a better man.
Keep it up, hermano.

[Danielle]

Mario,

I saw your story today and was tremendously moved. Your story, more specifically what you were forced to endure, angered me. Your spirit inspired me. Thank you, for your tenacity, for your faith, and for never giving up on yourself. You blessed me.

D

[Andrea Fimbres]

i just finished watching your story and had to see if i could find you on line . Icouldnt stop crying while i watched your story . im sorry you had to suffer the pain and the feeling of that god had forgot about you . many of us would have sought the company of others in the prison . and got caught up . but you are a very strong person . and didnt stray from your calling . i belive that god knows what he is doing and has a perpose for all of us and sometimes we can only find it threw hardships. i hurt still for your mother who lost her little boy . as a mother my self i feel her pain.thank you for the experience i will always have you and your family in my prayers

[Jeremy DeGuc]

Mario,
Your the Man!!!!
Thank you for keeping your heart and head held high. An inspiration to all.
May God bless the whole wide world starting with you and your family.

[CANDY PIXLER]

STILL PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

[Jennifer Herrera]

Hi Mario, I just saw your documentary. I cried through the whole thing. Your story is an inspiration and thank you for sharing it. You rock!

[JULiET REyES]

Hey foo,i saw your movie in my class and im glad you got out of jail serio!!!<333333

[Linda Martinez]

Will mario we been lerning in my 2 period about you and i think your story is intresting and am happy everything came out very well and you got your freedom back! YOU ROCK!
XOXO,
LINDA

[Moma Lee]

I just finished seeing your documentary in my third period class.Your story inspired me. ITS Incredible to see how a human being can be so unbreakable.You were there for a while and still had enegy to put up with your jail mates who stabbed you fiften times.I will be sharing your life with my cousiN Jessie who is in bad steps.I hope lie for you will be easier!

[JackieGonzalez]

Hello, my name is Jackie. I also saw your documentary in myth period class.It's so amazing how you never gave up on your self and on your freedom. It's good to see that you never broke down.

[OSCAR]

I JUST FINISHED SEEING UR MOVIE AND I THINK THAT U HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE BECAUSE I HAD A PROBLOM SOME THINK LIKE THAT BUT WITH MY FAMILY............

[Celeste Flores <333]

Mario,

Mario I am very happy for you, especially now more than ever to see you out here on the outside with your family and loved ones. Reading "The Returning of Freedom" was very touching, it brings me joy to see the many things you have come to accomplish in just one year. Now Mario you have many more obstacles to overcome in your fight for justice but don't you ever give up. Keep fighting for what you deserve. Suerte amigo! You have my full love and support. Like you always used to tell me, "Si Se Puede."

[nancy sullivan]

Hallelujah!Your courage and patient spirit is much to be admired! What a loving family you have! Enjoy your freedom, and your new life.
sincerely,
Nancy Sullivan