Leaving Cuba
My father left Cuba when he was around 9 years old. He, his brother, and his parents had to leave everything behind: family, toys, and even photographs. I am sure it must have been hard for them. After years of effort, they had to start over from scratch. Not an easy thing to do.
A couple of decades later, my father and his brother have been able to go through college and even graduate school, have traveled all over the world, and have given their parents a total of six grandchildren. His brother has actually become one of the top managers at the company he works for.
When I think of this, I just have to wonder: would they have been able to accomplish so much if they had stayed in Cuba? Would they have been able to get so far if their parents had been afraid of starting over? Sometimes, we are so bound to what we already know and enjoy, that we are afraid of change. We must, of course, treasure the blessings we have. But we must be careful not to let them cloud the far better blessings just waiting for us to find them.
I have come to Minnesota to complete a PhD in Computer Science, leaving all of my family (except for my wife of course) and friends in Puerto Rico. I am certainly beginning to miss their company, but when I look ahead at all the opportunities that await for me here, I am encouraged to go on. I am reminded of how my father's family decided to go for something new, took the risk, and reaped the benefits.
Comments
True... but I still miss you a lot. It makes me wonder, though, what will I have to give up in the course of my life? I find it hard to leave the island someday, though I know for sure I'll have to.
Posted by: Rakeru | September 13, 2007 10:52 AM
During our life span we will be blessed with different events that will shape our way of life and thinking. Some will be good things and some will test our courage and faith. I am grateful for all my life experiences. We learn something more about ourselves everyday.
As well as your parents, you have the courage and the strength to take risks that in the long run will test your character. The love for your family and their well being is uptmost on your mind. This entails change, sacrifice and hope. If you always act in good faith and maintain your morals and principals, you will always hold your head up high, with dignity no matter what the results. Thats the only thing that matters.
Posted by: Erwin D. Ferri | April 30, 2008 1:01 PM