I came to the U.S. when I was 21 years old

 

 

with my son Jose.

 

 

I left my mother. She lived by herself in Puerto Rico. My brother didn't visit her that much. I knew that we were going to miss and worry about her a lot, but I was looking out for my son to give him a better future. She didn't say no to me, however she was going to miss her first grandchild.

 

When we first came to the U.S. we stayed at a friend's house in Bridgeport, C.T. She lived in a two bedroom apartment, with eight people including my son and I. It was very difficult living together because the kids were fight a lot over everything, and it made me feel uncomfortable. It wasn't easy at all because I didn't have family in Connecticut.

 

My son was crying every day, until he got used to being here. He began to act problematic. It was hard for me to communicate with the person who took care of my son. I tried to explain to her the situation of my son's bad behavior, but it was difficult for me at times, because I didn't speak much English. I felt so frustrated, it made me think how tough it was going to be for me, but I decided to continue with my plans of "changing our life style".

 

I tried to find a job "ASAP" because I just wanted to have my own space. It took me a month to find the job at the factory. It was a job in which I didn't need to know a lot of English, just great production papers. That job was my all. I progressed a lot having that job.

 

 Finally! we had our own space. It was a studio apartment but to us it was a palace!

 

 

 

 

 

But unfortunately I received the bad news that my mother had passed away. I thought I would leave everything I worked so hard for and return to Puerto Rico, but for what? She was no longer there. I had only been away for a year when I when to the funeral home. My country seemed so different. In my mind she was telling me to stay in C.T. It was a sharp pain because I  had always wanted her to come over here with us but that never happened.

 

Once again I was back to reality. I got promoted at work because my production papers were getting higher. The company increased my pay check during every six months, I got a good raise since my production papers were so high. I was very happy with the outcome.

 

This time I was able to afford a two bedroom apartment. I bought a car so I didn't have to take public transportation anymore.. God is good!

 

Six years later God blessed me with my second child, My Angel!

 

 

         It  was a blessing because he looks a lot like my mother!

 

I worked for the company for six years until they sold it to another state. Oh no!!! not again!! I said. Now I have more big responsibilities. This time it was different because I could chose to go to another company or learn English. I chose the opportunity to study and have a career. I decided to learn English because I knew that I needed  to know how to speak, read, and write. It was a requirement in order to have a certified in any career. I accepted the challenge of my life for my children and myself.