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This is from an illustration I did for a book of poetry about a families trials and struggles to bring their family to America in the late 50's. A story full of hope even through extreme hardships and struggles. A father who left to set roots two years before earning enough to send for his wife and two children. A mother who alone with those two children had to make her way from the depths of South America to the Northern United States on not enough money and on how the author, the eldest daughter remembers that time with excitement and wonder only realizing the craziness of it all and the strength it took upon becoming an adult. Poems that praise her Mother's memory and positive influence that made a harrowing trip across two continents seem like a wonderful fairly tale in the face of fear and the unknown. Raising a child who is constant champion for children and tirelessly advocates for the promotion of inner city high school children to experience and participate in creative writing challenges and competitions, providing scholarships for travel and expenses for those who can't afford to participate but have the fire and drive to tell their stories. I know from personal experience how this helps a child build self esteem as Maria many years ago gave my then 8 years old daughter an opportunity to read her own poetry to the National Organization of Women and how that opportunity helped create a confident young child who could be proud of her accomplishments.