Just Lassen To Me: A First-Generation Son's Journey of Discovery

In the tapestry of life, our families are the threads that weave together the intricate patterns of our identities. For first-generation sons and daughters, the journey of self-discovery often intertwines with the exploration of our parents' pasts, the stories that shaped them, and the sacrifices they made to give us a better life.

Just Lassen to Me! - A First-Generation Son's Story: Surviving a Survivor

by Rita Golden Gelman

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3566 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	469 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

I am no exception to this. As a first-generation American, born to immigrant parents from a small village in Mexico, I grew up with a nagging sense of disconnect from my cultural heritage. While I spoke English fluently and embraced the customs of my new home, there was always a part of me that yearned to understand my roots, the people who had come before me, and the path that had led us to this moment.

Growing up, my parents spoke little of their lives in Mexico. They were focused on providing for our family and building a better future for us. I respected their silence, but it also left a void within me, a longing to know where I came from and who I truly was.

As I got older, I became increasingly curious about my family's history. I started asking my parents questions, but they often brushed them off or gave me vague answers. It wasn't until I was in college that I finally decided to take matters into my own hands.

I began by interviewing my parents, recording their stories and memories. At first, they were hesitant, but as I persisted, they slowly began to open up. They told me about their childhoods in a small village in central Mexico, the hardships they faced, and the dreams that brought them to the United States.

I listened intently, my heart aching and swelling with pride as I learned about their struggles and triumphs. I learned about my grandfather, a farmer who worked tirelessly to provide for his family, and my grandmother, a skilled weaver who passed on her craft to her daughters.

I learned about the sacrifices they made to come to America, leaving behind everything they knew for a chance at a better life. They crossed the border illegally, lived in fear of being deported, and worked menial jobs to make ends meet.

But through it all, they never gave up on their dreams. They raised a family, instilled in their children a strong work ethic, and taught them the importance of education.

As I listened to their stories, I realized that I was not just a first-generation American, but the culmination of generations of sacrifice and determination. I carried within me the legacy of my ancestors, their hopes and dreams for a better future.

Inspired by their stories, I decided to share them with the world. I wrote a book, entitled "Just Lassen To Me," in which I recounted my journey of discovery and the stories of my parents and grandparents.

The book was well-received, and it has helped me connect with other first-generation sons and daughters who are also struggling to find their place in the world. It has also helped me to bridge the gap between my two cultures and to appreciate the richness of my heritage.

My journey of self-discovery has been a long and winding one, but it has been an incredibly rewarding one. Through storytelling, I have come to understand my family's past, my own identity, and the power of the human spirit.

To all the first-generation sons and daughters out there, I urge you to embrace your stories. Listen to your parents, your grandparents, and your ancestors. Learn from their struggles, be inspired by their triumphs, and carry on their legacy. Your stories are important, and they deserve to be heard.

Just lassen to me, and I promise you will discover a world of richness and beauty that you never knew existed.

Just Lassen to Me! - A First-Generation Son's Story: Surviving a Survivor

by Rita Golden Gelman

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3566 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	469 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE