When Margot first arrived in San Antonio, she had little knowledge of her ancestral roots or the significant role the missions played in her family’s history. However, her passion for genealogy and an in-depth exploration of history opened her eyes to the lives, struggles, and triumphs of her ancestors. This discovery has had a profound impact on her, teaching her that no matter what life presents, she can endure and overcome it with determination and faith in God.

Margot takes immense pride in tracing her maternal lineage to her 5x great-grandparents, Francisco San Juan and Gertrudis de la Cruz, both indigenous people from the San Antonio Missions. Their son, Damasio de la Cruz, went on to become the last Indian Governor of Mission San Jose. Her journey of discovering her ancestors’ histories and their connection to the San Antonio Missions has inspired her to craft short stories that capture their untold experiences. Through these narratives, she seeks to bridge the past and present, highlighting the resilience, faith, and perseverance that have defined her family’s legacy. By documenting their struggles, triumphs, and contributions to regional history, Margot aims to preserve her family’s rich cultural heritage for future generations. Her hope is that this work will not only honor her ancestors but also inspire other descendants to share and celebrate their own family histories.