Slow Move To Marathon
by Jayne Gallo
M
Photo courtesy of Danielle Gallo
y first visit to the Big Bend
was in September, 2005. I
had just moved to the
Raleigh, North Carolina area to be
near my older daughter Tara and her
family – granddaughter Cassie was
seven and Jimmy 18 months old –
because I wanted to be part of their
lives as they grew. But before begin-
ning my new job, it was time to visit
what had been my younger daughter
Danielle’s home for about three years:
Marathon, Texas.
Marathon was quite different from
anywhere I had lived, or visited!
Growing up in New York City where
the nearest tree was in the park six
blocks away, living for nearly six years
22
Cenizo
in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the
big city desert, then in rural New
Hampshire for 21 years – nothing pre-
pared me for Marathon. But, I quickly
understood why she had chosen to
relocate there: the dry and moderate
climate was wonderful and the scenery
stunning, the quiet and peaceful way of
life so appealing. And I found that the
most important aspect, the feature I
found most attractive, was the people.
Over the past 10 years I’ve usually
visited several times a year, enjoying
the mild temperatures, the low humid-
ity and the sunshine. Living in small
towns in New Hampshire was nothing
like Marathon with its 400 or so resi-
dents and a span that I could walk
First Quarter 2016
from one end to the other. New York,
New Mexico, New Hampshire and
North Carolina are all beautiful states,
but my first trip to Big Bend National
Park a few years ago took my breath
away! Sitting with a friend who had
traveled with me, as we had lunch at
the Lodge in the Basin, we were
awestruck at the magnificent views
before us.
As I’ve spent time in Marathon,
wherever we went people were wel-
coming and friendly. At Shirley’s Burnt
Biscuit my favorite fried pie was avail-
able and brought with a smile, and at
Johnny B’s or the Marathon Coffee
Shop my hot tea and biscuits cheerful-
ly served as the staff came by to see my
granddaughters. At St. Mary Catholic
Mission Church I felt part of the con-
gregation gathered to worship each
Sunday, as I was greeted by the others
present. Events like last year’s Easter
egg helicopter drop for the town's chil-
dren was so well planned and executed,
and such a fun time for all – children
and adults alike. As I’ve gotten to know
people the character of the community
has revealed itself as caring, committed,
and welcoming. There’s a warmth in
the people here that speaks to me of the
values they hold dear, and that is very
attractive to me.
continued on page 27