Ours is that of the American Dream. And it started on the Cape Verdean island of São Vicente, where our dad was born and raised. Papi often talked about watching American Westerns at his local movie theatre, and dreaming of one day coming to America. At 18, now the son of a widow, he started his voyage off the island as a mariner.

Eventually, Papi made his way to Argentina, where he finished school and learned the metal-work trade. He loved his years in Argentina…the people and the culture. Then, while on trip to the Netherlands to visit an older brother, Papi met his love on an errand to the Argentinian consulate. Our mom, the Argentinian daughter of a farmer, was working a 3-year commitment as a domestic helper in Amsterdam. After dozens of letters and 3 years later, they married in Argentina and made the decision to immigrate to the United States.

Our parents chose the state of New Jersey for their home. Papi had a friend who offered him an opportunity to train and work as a refrigeration engineer in Manhattan. While working in NYC and living in NJ, Papi and Mami (with now Nydia), accepted a second job as superintendent of a 9-story, 72-apartment building. Mami helped him with the responsibilities of superintendent at home, and Nydia helped her with her English until she learned the language and managed the interactions with present and potential tenants seamlessly. They left the second job after having saved enough to purchase their house where they moved with Nydia, Pablo and Astrid.

Even though our parents divorced after 23 years of marriage, we kept our split family together, took care of one another through our ups and our downs, while also forming our own families. Sadly, Papi passed away in April of 2021. He never lost his awe and gratitude of living in America. We are grateful for both of our parents’ legacy and are honored to continue living them out together with our own families.