Daniel Aguilar
Gone but Never
forgotten
“Until the lion writes his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” The Soy Autor writing process was developed in collaboration with young people at-risk of, victims of or perpetrators of violence in El Salvador. In 2016, this innovative program launched at Cook County Jail with young men awaiting trial for violent offenses.Through the process of drafting, revising, illustrating and publishing memoirs, the Authors’ Circle develops reflection, critical thinking, literacy skills, conflict resolution and positive self-projection.
In collaboration with:
Cook County Sheriff’s Office
Gone but Never Forgotten Daniel Aguilar
There were times when our food in the refrigerator would get old and rotten and go to waste.
As I got older, I realized that life itself is not gonna be easy, and I was
okay with that. This made me want to step up to the plate and become a young man. I wanted to help my parents in the best way I could.
The death of Elaina was an accident, an accident that took a big toll on me and my mother. When it happened, my mother was at the hospital having my little baby brother Nathan.
It was a sunny day outside when my female cousin on my dad’s side was at my house. It was just one of those days when everybody was in a bad mood.
My friend and I were coming up the block back to my house and all I see is my older sister Marissa in the middle of the street, on the floor, crying.
As we got up closer to the corner of my house, that’s when I see my
little sister under the car.
Losing my baby sister took a big toll on me. Sometimes I feel like if I hadn’t left the house, she would still be here with me.
If she was still here today, she’d be twelve years old.
I am Daniel Aguilar I am from Chicago Heights. From tacos and tortas. I am from the only big yellow house on the block; Six rooms, two bathrooms, one kitchen. I am from Jertal Park. A nice, peaceful area. I’m from a big family. We all have the same nose. The Aguilar and Villarreal. I’m from the family of fighters and being silly. From “Make good choices” and “Be smart.” From Mexican food and pizza. From the story of how my grandfather passed away, from family photos throughout the house, from the importance of being together.