Book of Handouts Article 11/29/2007

The Tims Liberal must be reading my posts. The author didn't sign his/her name to this one.

Ricardo and Sonia departed Puerto Rico and came to mainland United States in February with a dream – to provide a better life for their three children, ages 13, 6 and 1. They’ve made some headway since then, but perhaps none bigger than the step they took this month. After staying with relatives, then in a homeless facility, they finally moved into their own rental house. They relocated from Puerto Rico to a homeless shelter in NEPA. I gotta read on!!!

The former truck driver knows money will be tight until he and his wife can land better jobs. For the time being, the family can’t even afford to furnish their home, even though they’ve been saving. This is getting better. Most normal people would have money to buy furniture if relocating or have their furniture shipped with them. But of course they moved to a homeless shelter in NEPA!

Before making the journey, Ricardo had worked as a truck driver. Sonia was a cashier at a supermarket. Now, only 34-year-old Sonia works because Ricardo’s truck driver’s license will not transfer and he has had trouble familiarizing himself with U.S. trucks. Also, the language barrier makes it difficult for him to read the driver instruction handbook, he said. If you want to move to the States learn English.

The family’s wish list this holiday season includes home furnishings, such as a living room set so they can spend time together watching movies and playing games. One day they also would love to acquire a computer; it would help the family master more English and aid the youngsters in their studies. The family said American schools are the best part about living here. Ricardo Jr., a seventh-grader at Meyers High School, said the school year is going well, and he particularly enjoys his mathematics classes. He’s excited about having friends visit his new home, but admitted that he hopes the family will have some furniture for his guests to sit on. Here's my suggestion: learn English and get a job pops. I admire you for recognizing that the "mainland" offers the best in the world and it's a struggle but that's what the American spirit is all about - work ethic and making it on your own. The proudest families make it without anyone's help - you should try to be one of them instead.