Mario Lundes first opened up about his troubled childhood in an intimate conversation back in 2017, shortly after the birth of his daughter, Alexa.
Surrounded by the comforting pink decor of Alexa’s room, he recounted a past steeped in chaos.
“It was not like this, quiet and peaceful,” he reflected, describing his childhood home in South Los Angeles.
Lundes described a life filled with tumult: frequent visitors, alcohol-fueled fights, and the absence of parental guidance after his father was incarcerated when he was just seven years old.
“I can say we both missed out,” he lamented, referring to the emotional gap created by his father’s absence.
He shared that the love and attention he craved were lacking at home, prompting him to seek belonging in the streets, where he found companionship among older gang members.
At the tender age of 13, Lundes joined a gang, embracing the ‘family’ he found in the camaraderie of his peers.
“They showed me that love, that respect, I needed,” he recounted.
His initiation into gang life changed the trajectory of his adolescent years, as he fell deeper into the dangerous lifestyle characterized by violence and crime.
Lundes’ gang involvement led him to a series of juvenile incarceration experiences, cycling through facilities that only intensified his commitment to the gang.
Each release was often followed by another arrest, underscoring a dark prediction he had for his future.
He candidly recalled the disheartening reality: “Back then I knew I was probably going to do life in prison, or I was not going to make it to this age.”
Bitterness enveloped him as friends either died or returned to prison, leaving him feeling isolated and drowning in despair, leading him to alcohol abuse.
This downward spiral reached a critical point when he found himself in a hospital bed, comatose from alcohol consumption.
Amidst this crisis, Lundes grappled with feelings of abandonment, assuming that those who visited him believed he was hopeless and irredeemable.
It was during this time of vulnerability that he made a pivotal decision: to pursue help.
Lundes eventually connected with Homeboy Industries, a renowned program aimed at rehabilitating former gang members.
It was there that his life began to shift.
During group therapy sessions, hearing older members share their stories evoked a deep reflection within him.
“Something clicked,” he said, reinforcing his desire for change.
His journey of recovery, although fraught with challenges, revealed the importance of addressing mental health.
He emphasized the significance of therapy, asserting, “It doesn’t mean you’re crazy. It just connects your thoughts, from childhood to now.”
Amidst his recovery, a beautiful transformation took place in Lundes’ life.
“I had my little girl, and I got married,” he shared with a sense of pride, reflecting on the trust he built within his family.
Lundes expressed gratitude for a second chance, acknowledging the weight of his past decisions.
As time progressed, Lundes began to forge a path away from his past, especially as Alexa grew.
Reconnecting with Lundes in the spring of 2023, he conveyed insights about love, fatherhood, and his newfound purpose.
“I’m grateful to feel this kind of love, the unconditional father love for my daughter,” he explained, revealing how being present for Alexa has reshaped his life profoundly.
He noted the stark contrast between his upbringing and the stable environment he’s creating for his daughter.
Recently, I visited Lundes and his family in South Los Angeles, witnessing the warmth in their home as he prepared for Alexa’s day.
Early in the morning, he ironed her school clothes while surrounded by a myriad of pink toys and other decorations.
Now almost eight, Alexa radiated joy and energy, showcasing a spirited personality that brightened the atmosphere.
Throughout our drive to school, Lundes played Alexa’s favorite music, Kendrick Lamar, as she sang along, embodying innocence and happiness.
Upon arriving at school, he walked her to the entrance, showered her with kisses, and remained until she was safely inside the classroom.
Following this, Lundes made his way to his parents’ house, where Alexa spent time after school.
There, I observed familial interactions filled with love, as her grandmother prepared a meal while her grandfather warmly greeted me despite his struggles with Parkinson’s.
Lundes’ complex relationship with his past emerged, illustrating struggles with childhood memories juxtaposed against a backdrop of newfound peace within his family.
In moments of playful exuberance, Alexa clambered onto her father’s shoulders, yearning for connection as they shared laughter and her school accomplishments.
When she expressed a desire to roam the neighborhood, Lundes hesitated, aware of safety concerns linked to his gang history.
Instead, they settled on a brief walk in a sheltered area.
Lundes pointedly remarked, “She doesn’t see all this,” gesturing to his tattoos, “She sees Mario, the dad that I am to her.”
Asked about fatherhood, Lundes revealed his deep commitment to being present for Alexa, contrasting his previous parenting experiences.
At 46, he holds a keen awareness of the past, expressing regret for being absent for his elder children due to his chaotic lifestyle.
However, he is resolute that his relationship with Alexa will be different.
“It’s such an amazing feeling to show her what’s right from wrong,” he reflected, emphasizing their shared experiences from school drop-offs to parent-teacher conferences.
Lundes articulated a dream for the future: that Alexa will remember him as a kind-hearted father, beyond his appearance.
“I just want her to be a good mom later on,” he expressed, hoping she inherits the love and lessons he is imparting to her.
His aspirations highlight a transformative journey from a turbulent past to a hopeful present, as he strives to break the cycle and shape a brighter future for his daughter.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-15/onetime-gangbanger-finds-redemption-in-fatherhood
