In May of 1962, Carmen Lujan was visiting her cousins in Mexico City after she graduated from the Loretto Girls School in Santa Fe, NM. She was having a fantastic time enjoying her vacation. 18 years old, spending time with her cousins dancing, singing, eating, shopping and exploring the city.

One month earlier Antonio Posa, a luchador from Spain, had just taken the National Wrestling Alliance World Championship on April 27, 1962 in Mexico City, where he defeated Rene Guajardo.

Wrestling was a very popular past time in Mexico at the time and Antonio was riding high from the recent victory. It was difficult to go places without people fawning over him, however he did not mind. He went to a pool party one day and was surrounded by female fans. This was not out of the ordinary, but unlike other days Antonio noticed a couple young women on the other end of the pool. They were sunning themselves without a care. He found it interesting they were not a part of the crowd vying for his attention.

Carmen was from New Mexico in the United States. She had not followed wrestling and was not familiar with luchador culture or current events. When Antonio came over to speak to her and her cousin she was unimpressed with his antics. She did not know who he was, but trying to get over a breakup, she accepted his invitation to go have dinner. His Spanish confidence and pride were attractive and she thought he was easy on the eyes.

The two were married 3 months later on August 17, 1962. Carmen ignored the gossip and reticule from her family. They constantly told her that she and Antonio came from different worlds and it would never last.

They settled in Santa Fe, NM. They purchased a tamale recipe from Carmen’s parents and began making and selling Posa’s Tamales. They had four children; Jeffrey, Johanna, Antonio and Javier. The boys excelled in wrestling and football. Carmen and Antonio enjoyed supporting the sports programs and were always attending the matches and games. Jeffrey and Johanna continue to run the restaurant today. The family became a pillar of the community.

Antonio began struggling with dementia in his 70s and on December 12, 2021 he suffered a hip injury. After the accident and surgery he was sent home to recover. He had lived a full life of travel, success, family and love. He came from a small town in Zaragosa Spain and he had come so far. On January 11, 2022 after being in hospice care less than a week he passed peacefully in his sleep. The family was devastated and although they knew he was at peace, there was a void in their hearts. Carmen had known and loved him for 59 years. Her heart was broken and she joined him in death one week after his funeral. It was her birthday, January 27th and she wanted nothing more than to see her husband again, and that is exactly what happened.

59 years, four children, eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, and more love than anyone could have imagined. Antonio and Carmen will forever have their eternal love and be an inspiration to everyone.

Happy Valentines Day and I hope that your hearts are as full as my grandparents were.

I love you Grandma and Grandpa. I won’t ever forget who I am and who came before me. Thank you for the foundation that you built. I will miss you forever.