My Memoirs - Citizen of the World

was only going to get worse, not only because of the attacks in
New York, but also because the airlines are not paying
commissions. Plus, computers were becoming more and more
commonplace and people are beginning to make travel
arrangements from their own home. Of course, Deodete and I felt
badly that the family business would no longer continue, but it was
the best choice for her and for us. In fact, there used to be 187
Travel Agencies in Rhode Island. Today, there are only 70.
Angela went back to work for her former employer, holding a
managerial position that she still holds today. She works many
hours, even holidays. In essence, Angela is a dedicated
workaholic, a perfectionist, a great mother, wife and daughter who
makes Deodete and me very proud. Angela speaks, writes and
understands the Portuguese language fluently, which is an
excellent asset in any profession in Southeastern Massachusetts
and Rhode Island.
When she was sixteen, Angela was the runner up for the Bristol
Miss Fourth of July contest in 1981. She was also elected Miss
Day of Portugal in Rhode Island in 1980, Lifetime Member of the
Fourth of July Committee, and she was a tireless member of the
American Heart Fund Campaign in 1983.
We ceased the travel business after Angela left, but I continued to
work doing tax returns, being a Notary Public, going to courtrooms
as an interpreter, and doing immigration work. Incidentally, I rent
space to my old employer, METLIFE, but I still keep my office in
the back as before where I now enjoy writing my memoirs.
It was very convenient for my wife and me to work next to our
home. Obviously, we did not have to drive to work. We came to
the office many times in our pajamas to catch up with our daily
tasks. My office in the back was like a control tower with its view
of our back yard - I could monitor our children’s friends and their
behavior all day long. But they were absolutely wonderful
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