I can't believe I'm over 50 years old already! A Latino American born and raised in Puerto Rico who migrated to Pennsylvania 21 years ago and had nothing but will and a brain to build on a dream. As I came to Philadelphia to leave with relatives until I could bring my family with me, I continuously told myself there was no room for failure. And no welfare or unemployment or any entitlement programs ever crossed my mind because I was too proud to accept anything but a chance to work. I wanted to prove my sons, my three most valuable treasures that no matter what; an honest, hard working and law abiding men always have a chance to success.
And work I found in Philadelphia, starting with the IRS as a Tax Examiner and then worked a second job as a Case Worker for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. No time for game, day and night shifts that eventually helped to bring my family with me!
I still work for the Commonwealth and have plenty of beautiful memories and great professional experiences but my last 5 years have been incredible. My three sons now grown up men, all joined the military life! Two marines and one army soldier; all decided to put their lives in the line defending our US values. They are now veterans from the Iraq war! Not without much pain and and anguish from all our family members who saw them depart and prayed every day until they returned to us.
They are the best of me! They are my all and then some more and I can only hope that God will bless me with time and opportunities to let them know how much pride I feel for what they have done for this country! But instead, they continue to bring joy to our family and last year gave me the privilege to become a grandpa!
And then I have to count my blessings again! Not only they are the best of me, they now have the opportunity to learned about the gifts of parenthood and the chance to become immortals in the extensions of life that we acquire from our children!
Jose,
ReplyDeleteYour story is extremely motivational and a great example of the American Dream. To come here and make something of your self is the embodiment of what this country stands for. The fact that your sons would all join the military shows that you raised them with love for their country. Thank you for their service and for the worry you and your family went through. Congratulations on your grandchildren as well. See you in class on Wednesday.
Tom
Jose,
ReplyDeleteI've got to agree with what Tom said. Your story is incredibly motivational, and a testiment to how much you care about your family. After living away from my family for about 5 years I can't even imagine what it was like to live away from your wife and children. I have a friend in Allentown who's father did something very similar, and he is one of the men I've met that I respect the most so far. He lived in his car and ate Bologna sandwiches for weeks to start his business, which he just passed on to his sons. Thanks for sharing with all of us, and I'll see you tomorrow in class.
Tom and Jeff,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words! I know we all share good values and great family stories that may help others to keep up the "Dream" of our great nation alive!