Who Inspires You: Our Immigration Story
Our Immigration Story
There is no handbook for being a mother.
I believe that all women have a natural instinct to protect but, that in itself can be something completely different when it comes to protecting AND nurturing.
I don’t know if many of you know my story, I guess it’s not typically one shares and when you meet me you may not necessarily know that I wasn’t born in Canada.
We came here as landed immigrants, but, the story isn’t in the how, it’s in the why.
I was born in El Salvador, a Third World country that, at the time, was not only ravaged by poverty but,was in civil turmoil.
A civil war where militia turned against government to fight against the injustice that they felt the government imposed on its citizens.
Both my parents held respectable jobs and were hard workers. Throughout the earthquake of ’89, and the war, they managed to keep our family afloat, safe, and above all—happy.
We are but one immigration story of many.
Vague Memories of my Early Childhood
But, each one I have, I remember in an almost dream-like state. As if I remember more how I felt more than anything. I remember how the sun shone on my skin, how it kept me warm, and I recall the smell of the outdoors when I breathed it in.
I can feel the roughness of the bark of our large mango tree that adorned our courtyard. Not only that, but I remember the lizards that scaled our tall wall while they avoided the crushed glass that topped every wall in the courtyard. I happily remember the tall shelf with so many toys, so that we wouldn’t be bored.
I also remember not being allowed out.
Save for our small courtyard.
Now, I can’t recall the one day that I did leave, one of our maids had left the black heavy door open. The door that was dead bolted beyond comprehension and I had managed to slip out without her noticing.
I’m not quite sure how it happened but, my mother tells me that I was grazed by a bullet. Whether it was a bullet from the gun of the government or a bullet from a militia—I was one of the innocent bystanders.
I don’t have memory of that part of my life. Almost as it’s completely wiped out, yet this is the story that my mom told me about when I asked about the scar on my left shoulder.
This was the last straw for my parents. Even after the horrors they had already witnessed when they lived through the earthquake.
Upon daily encounters with the victims of the war as they lay in the streets—this was it.
Immigrating to Canada
My parents rushed to the Embassy and applied for sponsorship. They went through a very lengthy process, and we were granted sponsorship.
Before we knew it—we were on a plane.
Which is another one of my earliest memories. In the picture above is us saying our goodbyes at the airport before we set off to an unknown country that is now where we call home.
Canada.
Both of my parents, professionals, had left their job, and their families. They left their entire world as they always knew it—for us.
To say that the transition to moving to Canada was tough for them, is an understatement. To not know the practices nor the language in a new country in itself is difficult.
Then having to find employment (ANY employment) to pay off sponsorship, and to raise your family could only have been tremendously challenging.
Now I go back to the aforementioned statement.
Nurturing is Learned Behavior
Every single day we had food on the table, clothes on our backs and each other. It was hard, and I can only imagine what it was like for my parents to leave a comfortable state of life. Especially to come and have to do hard labor is beyond what I can fathom.
But, after long work days—struggle and coming from humble beginnings. My parents gave us freedom, they gave us safety, and above all taught me what immense love is. That you put your children above all else, even yourself.
While there is no handbook on how to be a good mother or how to protect your children, I can say that the immense sacrifice that my parents made for us taught us a priceless lesson.
It truly inspires me to do the same with both of my girls.
That no matter what circumstance, the tribulations, obstacles, natural disasters, poverty, or war—that you CAN be a mother, and you can inspire your children in so many ways.
My immigration story will always be different from others. I am just happy we had a chance at life.
Para mi gente Latina, la lección es que no importa qué circunstancia, las tribulaciones, obstáculos, desastres naturales, la pobreza o guerra—que se puede ser una madre y puede inspirar a sus hijos en muchas maneras.
Who Inspires You?
Although I won’t be attending LATISM 2012, Johnson and Johnson will be showcasing some of their initiatives under “global motherhood.”
We can all do our part by using our social media for good and about the challenges that mothers face around the world.
You can inspire mothers like you to join them in helping other mothers by raising awareness about important issues and some of the solutions that make a difference.
If you will be at LATISM 2012 in Houston, Texas, stop by suite Arboretum II during the LATISM conference to talk with Johnson & Johnson and its partners about the work they do.
You can also follow along on Twitter, via the hashtag #InspireCare during the conference.
For many years, Johnson & Johnson has worked with its partners to care for the well-being of mothers and children around the world.
It is estimated that Johnson & Johnson and its partners touch more than one billion people’s lives each day through health care products, services and various programs. For more information on these initiatives, visit them here.
Juntos podemos hacer un cambio y extender la conciencia.
Together we can make a change and spread awareness about global motherhood.
Who inspires you or do you have an immigration story to share?
Let me know, til next time–cheers m’deres!
Disclosure – I am participating in collaboration with Johnson and Johnson and Latina Bloggers Connect. I received compensation in exchange for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts and opinions on this blog are my own and not influenced in any way.
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
What a moving story and how brave your parents are. There is no greater love than that of a parent to protect their children and your story is a statement to that love…how very sad and absolutely wonderful at the same time.
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Wow, what an eye-opening post! Thank you for sharing your story, we are very fortunate here in Canada. Amazing family picture–amazing that you are able to tie into a pivotal point in your life. I have to say that my kids inspire me, and they have definitely taught me a lot about nurturing.
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Wow, amazing! I think we forget how blessed we are to live and be born in Canada until we read or meet someone who wasn't. As for inspiration, my Mom. She has a strength I will always admire!
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Great post. Very glad you are here to tell this story. It's an important one. Thanks for sharing. This story makes me appreciate Canada even more.
WOW what an amazing story! I am so glad you came to Canada and are free from the bullets and "FREE". You write so well, I actually heard you face to face telling me your story!
Thanks for sharing it!
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Wow, what a story. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I am glad that your family moved from such a scary country and found safety here. It has been great getting to know you.
My dad and my grandpa (my dad's father who is know passed) are my inspirations. They are/were both intelligent, hard working individuals. They would do anything for anyone too.
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Wow, what a moving story. Thanks so much for sharing! My inspiration is my great grandma. She's a fighter and quite possibly the strongest woman I know! I always find myself in such awe of her.
Your story of your parents is so inspiring and moving. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks Victoria, they\’re the reason for everything. 🙂