![]() That’s why his brother had come before him. My father would have been killed if we had stayed in Cuba. Most immigrants that come to the US do so because it’s a last resort. But, more importantly, I wanted to set the record straight. And I felt that I needed to write about it. And we all eventually became citizens and we never trashed a house. ![]() Wait! My family was one of those families! We only lived three people to a house, but still. How could he say that? How blind was he to what those people were actually going through? At first, I was just thinking about “them” but at some point, the light bulb went off. A realtor friend told me he would never rent to “Mexicans.” They always lived four families to a house and trashed the property. Will you explain how these feelings came about and why you decided this was one way to deal with it? Why was it important to you to write this book? You also mention that part of the reason you wrote this story stems from anger, but also with pride. I’m really happy you both made that decision. And a little helping hand meeting those needs is what makes all the difference in the world. You have the same hopes, dreams, and needs. It allowed us to show, that regardless of where you come from, you are still human. The first few versions of the book had only family living in the house, but Neal Porter, my editor, and I felt that it was important that we show more than the Cuban immigrant experience, and I am so happy we did that. I also love collages and have made some as well, mainly to express what I care about and also for goal setting.ĭid you originally have a Mexican immigrant family in the story or did you decide to widen the scope of where the immigrants came from? It’s wonderful when others see you have a need and give from their hearts. We also had furniture, books, and more that our neighbors gave us. It’s something I continued to do, even in college. And absolutely, I decorated my room with collages. Heck, we had pots and pans and dishes too. To be honest, I don’t know where the furniture in their house came from, but when my family-Papi, Mami and my brother Tony rented our own home, we did have furniture from the church basement. So, they were the ones that opened up their house to us, and we were all family who lived in that little house. My aunt’s brother, his wife and baby lived in the garage, and, when we came, I bunked with my two cousins, Rita and Tilly and my parents and three-year old brother slept on the pullout couch. My uncle’s family was already here, and they opened up their house to us. When we came to the United States, we had nothing. Terry Jennings: Gloria, most of those details did come from my own experience, but you’re right, some things are changed to make a better story. How much of the details or actions of your story about immigrant families living together came from your actual experience and what is additional? In your author’s note you mention that your family lived in a casita where three families lived together, twelve during the week and fourteen when your uncle’s sons came to stay with him. I’m always interested in author’s inspirations for their books. Gloria Amescua: Terry, I’m so happy to be interviewing you about your latest book, which I know must be very close to your heart.
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