Galway Review 8 - April 2020

the French government to train in the use of wireless
telegraphy and astronomic observations for surveying
national boundaries. However, Papapa’s training was
cut short due to World War I and he returned to Peru.
When it was time for a toast, as our family’s first born
grandchild, I proudly stood at the head of the table next
to my eloquent grandfather and listened attentively as
he spoke. In his special and unforgettable toast to the
grandchildren, I remember my dear Papapa’s loving
words of wisdom: You need to always live your life with
honesty and integrity and give back to the community
and help others, regardless of their station in life. Sadly,
a few months after the celebratory family luncheon, my
dear Papapa unexpectedly passed away at home.
As I reflect on my wonderful and privileged life — my
early childhood and formative years growing up in
Miraflores and moving to the USA as a teenager — I am
filled with gratitude.
I am well-educated, independent, and financially selfreliant.
My journey through life has taught me to make
my own marriage and career choices. Even though it
took a long time for me to feel as if I belonged in my new
country, the United States gave me the opportunity to
follow my dream.
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