After a seven day, 63-hour work week in the sun, Maria Villatorro still finds the time and energy to attend her sons’ soccer game with no complaints.
“Family means everything to me and if I can be there for them, I’m going to be there every time,” said Villatorro.
Villatorro works at a plant nursery during the week and at Bargain Town Flea Market on the weekends with her husband, Raul, and two sons, Denys and Danny. Villatorro and her husband, both originally from El Salvador, have been working at the flea market for over 15 years, and their sons recently joined them two years ago to help with money.
“Part of me feels bad because I know they must want to go out with their friends, but honestly, I prefer them being here so I can keep an eye on them,” said Villatorro. “Plus, they keep me company.”
Villatorro sells a variety of products that she calls the basic necessities, such as laundry detergent, cleaning supplies and toiletries. 17-year-old Denys pushes around an ice cream cart, and 18-year-old Danny works at one of the food stands at the market as a waiter.
Raul works in the space right next to Villatorro selling electronics. He is handicap and uses a wheelchair, but still lives a normal life.
In 1994, he was in car accident where he was hit by a drunk driver. Maria was in El Salvador taking time off while she was pregnant with Denys, and rushed back to the States when she heard the news. She thought their life would down spiral, but this was not the case.
Villatorro took on the second job at the flea market to help financially and Raul was back on the job in a few months. She said it was hard, but he made it easier.
“He never complained and takes more initiative than people who can walk,” Villatorro said. “He had a car specially made for him and is usually the one giving other people rides. I am very proud of him.”
Denys said he thinks their family makes it because of the relationship his parents have.
“I never see my mom down and she has always supported my dad,” Denys said. “She inspires me to become a good man.”
Villatorro is still the bread winner of the family but it does not bother her at all. She just finished paying off two car insurances, and although barely left with nothing, she holds her head up.
“I have everything I need. All I want to do now is make my shop a little nicer,” Villatorro said, explaining how she wants to add shelves to have more space for customers to walk around.
Once she has more money, Villatorro wants to rearrange her shop and even get a new tarp to block out the sun better. She is content with her job and plans on staying there.
