What can readers learn from my upbringing? Well my upbringing was one of Spanish culture blended with American culture from the onset of life. As it was my father had already started his career as a U.S. Marine. So it became a customary standard for us 4 children to learn English 1st vs Spanish. Being in the military, it was a prerequisite to know and recite The Pledge of Allegiance as well as sing My Country tis of Thee from the very beginning of my American education. That is how we started each day as far back as I can recall. It was an unspoken understanding that our Spanish customs/culture were to remain celebrated behind closed doors. Though it was my Spanish culture so rich in flavor and traditions that stood out through much of my childhood. It was the military life/culture outside of our homes that molded us and commanded our best behaviors and respect. After all We were the children of an officer and would behave in accordance to the rules set in place. I am amazed at how well my parents were able to blend the best of both cultures into a new hybrid of understanding/education/living that I would call my life. These 2 cultures would leave a lasting impression on me to the degree that they would make/mold me into the man I am today. As it stands I was born on a top secret amphibious base in the Caribbean well known for its controversial news. Nowadays known as GITMO or Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Interestingly, for years my birthplace would remain a family secret as a younger child. It just seemed easier to my parents to tell a little white lie that would carry on until my Dad retired in 1986. Many times i was said to be born in Puerto Rico..or other times in Florida. But without any shadow of a doubt I was raised to play an active role as a God fearing-red blooded-American in this so called life of mine. The truth of my birthplace has only recently come to light as now its no big deal. But back in the day (and still today) Cuba has been well documented/known for its communistic beliefs. And to be born on such grounds to the majority one is assumed to be communist as well. So no I was never a communist! #americanstories #Communism #birthplace #cuba (at Orlando, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjqjcnLpZIR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
