Out of the Fields

My Journey from Farmworker Boy to Pediatrician

Ramon’s story is truly “The American Dream.” Deep within himself, he found the courage to pursue his vision of becoming a doctor, a healer who could save others from much of the misery that he had experienced. There were no outside forces working to fuel his confidence. In fact, just the opposite was true. Everywhere he looked, he encountered discouragement. Ramon’s story is the story of human potential, the unique personal potential that exists within us independently from any external source. It is also a story of hope and how we can keep it alive inside, even when there is no visible evidence that our dreams can come true. I hope you read this book slowly and aloud with others. Share it, savor it, cry with it, let your heart glow with joy from it. Make this a book that stimulates deep reflection within you. Reflect upon your own dreams, especially the ones you’ve long neglected or nearly forgotten. You are not limited by your age, your health, your relationships, or your finances nearly as much as by your own unwillingness to dream and persist. So, set yourself free to become the person God designed you to be. Let Ramon’s book be the encouraging hand on your shoulder and the resonant voice in your ear that says, “You can do it!...I believe in you!...You are special and important to this world!...We need you!” Ramon is a unique and gifted individual with an important place in history. His legacy will be felt for many generations— Jim Cathcart