My friends Elsa and Mario operate a verduleria a block from where I live. Elsa began working with her parents at age 12. She and Mario have three children who are studying computer science and nursing. Elsa and Mario go three times each week to the market in Mataderos to buy produce at 3am, which interrupts getting a good night's sleep. Both of them always look tired, but working is their life to support their family in their house in the provincia. The youngest son has been working with Elsa for two years after an employee quit without notice. Elsa works six days a week from 10am until 6pm, when Mario takes over until the grocery store closes at 10pm. Family delivers a truck-load of boxes at noon that have to be carried to their storage area in the back of the store. Elsa is always preparing chopped vegies for salads and soups. She never has a moment to rest.
This work isn't for something to do. It's physical labor with long hours. The two large refrigerators have to be stocked with produce. The tiny space at the entrance of the grocery is where Elsa cordially greets her regular customers and bundles all the produce. It's exhausting just watching her. She has been doing this work for 40 years and always with a smile.
