Half of My Heart

July 9, 2010, my life completely changed. When I came to Chicago, I felt like I had only a half of me heart with me and the other half was in my country, Mexico. At the age of seventeen, I started a new life in the Unites States, with a new language, new routine, and new people. In the past, my parents used to take care of me like if I was their treasure. Also, I used to eat daily fresh food that my mother made. I was very happy in my country and my heart was complete.

 What I miss the most is the way my parents used to take care of me. I remember once when I was on my way to school, suddenly, I heard a voice calling my name. It was my mother following me to tell me that I had left my lunch bag at home. She was worrying about whether I had something to eat. In addition, my father did a lot of things that made me feel important and loved. For example, I remember when I was very sick, my father came to my bed and decided to stay with me for the entire day in order to take care of me. What I cannot forget is what he told me while I was falling asleep. He whispered to me, " My daughter, I wish I could have your pain because it breaks my heart watching you like this. Now if I am sick, I have to take care of myself, go to the pharmacy and get my own medicine, sometimes my sister helps me, but for her is more important taking care of her son. Once, my nephew and I were sick at the same time, and my sister only cared about my nephew. That day I really needed my parents.

 In my country, every morning at seven in the morning my breakfast was ready, made it with fresh eggs collected from my backyard, fresh milk, and freshly squeezed orange juice. I always had vegetables with chicken or sometimes soup for dinner. My mother used to give me just healthy food, I remember in ten years I only had one hamburger that I didn't like by the way. Now my breakfast it is, one banana, and processed juice that taste like chemicals and concentrates even though the label says that is hundred percent organic, real, and fresh. I really miss the food from my country. Even though my sister buys only organic food, the taste cannot be compared with the real food. In my country, people grow their own vegetables, their own chickens, and their own cows. Here everyone buys everything in stores, in restaurants or food that is already made.

My new life really made me unhappy, especially because I have been with out my parents. I still remember my first day of senior high school as one of the hardest days of my life.  I felt like an intruder since I did not anyone. I felt lost as if I was in a maze. In addition, when someone asked me in English " how are you" I did not know how to respond. Now I can recall that day and burst into laughter. Up to now, I have been trying to get used to this culture, which is very different to the one I used to. 

 In conclusion, starting a new life was not easy for me especially because now I am very far from my parents. Also, I do not eat fresh food anymore and I am not happy, but at the end I know this is the best decision I have made because this is the best for me, for my future and for my parents. Everyday I feel more comfortable and I am sure that soon I am going to be with my parents and we will be together and happy as before and my heart will to be complete again.