As I grew older, I learned that although we were “poor�, we, as her children, never knew it. We were rich in with love. She worked tirelessly to ensure that we had everything we needed and never let us know the difficulties she faced. She masked her struggles to pay the rent, cook the meals and clothe us with grace and elegance.

Now my mother is retired and she and I spend hours reminiscing about how she was able to do it all, how difficult it was to come to the United States and learn a living, all the while providing hope for our entire family. I learned that the most she ever earned was about $15,000 a year. I never knew. Thanks to her, my entire family has enjoyed the freedoms and opportunities of America.

As a man, I treasure my grandmother, mother and the family that my wife and I have created. I remember the day I married my “babe,� Janet, like it was yesterday. I promised myself that I would make every effort to cherish and respect the future mother of my children, no matter what hard times we faced.

She has been an integral part of my becoming the best “dad� in the eyes of my three children. When my two boys, Cristian and Emilio, were born I could not help but imagine how I would feel when I would witness them saying their first words and taking their first steps. When my daughter, Tiffanie, was born, it was an extremely special moment for me. From the moment I laid eyes on her, she was my “little princess.� Tears of joy streamed down my face as I joyously yelled, “It’s a girl!�. Today, she is 8 years old and very wise. I am certainly a proud dad.

I am constantly reminded how difficult it is to be a woman in this world. Some of the challenges that my mother faced when she came to America many years ago are still prevalent in my daughter’s world. I do everything I can to ensure my daughter is smart, strong and independent. No matter how busy and hectic my life can become, I make the time to have an ice cream “date� or a visit to the book store; just the two of us. I want her to feel special and understand how a young girl, who eventually will become a woman, should be treated-con respeto y mucho amor.

As I strive to be the “best Papi,� I know that the road ahead is not going to be easy. However, I realize that the things that make a family strong are the challenges that are able to overcome- together. Going forward, I will embrace these challenges to guarantee a brighter future for my family.

On January 7, 2003, Juan M. Pichardo was sworn in as a State Senator representing the 2nd Senatorial district in the State of Rhode Island. Located in Providence, Senate District 2 encompasses the neighborhoods of Elmwood, Reservoir Triangle and the West End. Senator Pichardo has the distinction of being named the first Latino elected to a R.I. Senate seat and the first Dominican American elected to a State Senate seat in the United States.
By Senator Juan M. Pichardo