In 1980, #Cubans were allowed to leave the island en masse via what became known as the #Mariel boatlift. Overnight, extended family came to Tampa - - - grandparents, aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins. The #freedom that Emilio and Carmen were seeking in the 60’s and were able to realize, was now available to more #families two (2) decades later. The courage and guts that it took to take that leap of faith in search of freedom and independence in the 1960’s was displayed once more via the treacherous trip across the Caribbean Sea between #Cuba and South Florida. A trip made even more treacherous, as it is told, that Fidel would only allow the boats and vessels to set sail for the U.S. when it was stormy and windy out on the water. It was as if it was a final “screw you” to anyone that wanted to leave #Cuba.
Now with all the extended #family on U.S. soil, lots of sacrifice was made to get the families off on the right foot by finding employment for the adults, enrolling the young kids in schools, and getting everyone “set up” for success. Emilio and Carmen demonstrated authentic altruism to ensure that everyone was getting acclimated to the new country they just arrived in, one that they now called home for several years. In looking back, one family’s desire and ability to achieve the American Dream was now being shared with and enjoyed with several other families. Looking back, it was like witnessing the events of September 1969 all over again. There was no secret or luck to the formula. . .it was simple, yet not easy. Hard work, determination and perseverance through difficult times, language barriers and learning new customs was what it took to guarantee success. It was something available to all in the United States. #Opportunity was present for those that wanted to get ahead.
Fast forward to the 1990’s, by this time the eldest son Tony was in the military and Hiran was attending college and working part time. With the major duty of child rearing behind them, Emilio and Carmen began to slow down as they started to enter their #retirement phase. To supplement their income during #retirement, Emilio and Carmen purchased a second home as an investment and it would be a rental property. They found the process exciting and could see how lucrative it could be. The prospect of being landlords appealed to them and soon, they were able to leverage the assets they had and purchased their third property. Still working and still saving money, they were able to purchase “gently used” homes that needed a bit of tender loving care and they began to learn a bit about home remodeling and repair. They enjoyed putting their time and energy into these home projects.
The years passed and they would come to own five homes together. They mastered the art of real estate negotiation and Carmen especially had a knack for selecting good tenants. Emilio and Carmen were definitely “hands on” #landlords and would frequently engage with their tenants and would see to any issues right away. A happy tenant is a good tenant. It seemed that for them, the American Dream unfolded in a most unexpected way, and they were really enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Next week. Giving Back
This is one part of a multi-part story. To view past installments and other stories, please visit our blog, Learn-Engage-Empower at im4u.world.
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