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Maximo's Resilience

Maximo Bonilla was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico. The second oldest in a family of ten siblings and one single mother, Max became one of the household’s primary sources of income during his early preteen years. Now at 69 Max resides in Los Angeles, California with his only daughter and her family.

When thinking about resilience I instantly thought of my grandfather Max. My grandfather migrated from Mexico to the U.S after losing his wife to cancer, falling short on money, and losing his shop. However, even now at an older age, my grandfather continues to work, persevere and embody resilience. My project is an homage to him and his character.

Here Max is eating dinner at night. He enters work at 10 am but leaves at 7 am because it's a 2-hour bus ride. He works about seven hours every day and makes it home in time to eat, shower, and sleep. Sometimes his girlfriend comes over and eats with him, but most nights he heats up leftovers and eats alone. Max enjoys this time as it allows him to relax a bit before heading off to sleep.
A photo my Grandpa has out displayed in his room. Max is in his mid 30's working in the butcher stand he owned in the City of Mexico.
Here are the feet and hands of a person who has worked for nearly their entire life. Max has actually lost the top part of his finger during work and has multiple scars from various accidents throughout the years of working. He describes his hands as the most vital part of him, relying on them every day. Max has diabetes and his feet are something he doesn't like being photographed. However, he allowed me to and explained that he is thankful for his body and what it has allowed him to do.
Max and me talking before he goes to sleep.
Memories from Mexico. Here is a picture of Max and his sister dancing at a party and another of him at work.
My Grandmother. A huge part of what prompted my family to immigrate to the U.S was losing my Grandmother. After her death my grandfather was not well, he lost his motivation. Hospital bills, funerals, and other expenses were piling up. Now being a single father, Max couldn't financially sustain himself. He decided to have a fresh start.
While in the U.S my grandfather has dealt with a lot of loss. He has lost three siblings and his mother. He wasn't able to attend three funerals they passed in Mexico. Every dia de Los Muertos we make sure to celebrate them.
Max has one day off from work the entire week, Wednesday. He spends the day outside listening to the radio and playing with the dogs. He utilizes this time to reconnect with family in Mexico by calling them. Max hates doing nothing so you’ll always find him active. This photo was taken on his day off. Max had just finished talking to his brother on the phone and shared with me a childhood memory they were reminiscing about.
Max on a random Wednesday outside.
Max and his Girlfriend, Meche, eat dinner after they both get out of work.
Max on a Wednesday.
Created By
Stephanie Gutierrez
Appreciate
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