We were so fortunate to be apart of @alexanderjulian ‘s special project @thelandofmilkandhoney which features multi-generational immigrant families and their lives in the U.S. It was incredible to give my family an experience like this, we spent the entire day together on cloud 9 ☁️ The following day was my abuelo’s 91st birthday and he called us early in the morning to say he didn’t want to wake up from his dreams because he kept replaying the wonderful day we had together. What a gift and dream come true. We got to shoot this in the apartment complex they have lived in since they arrived here, the only home they’ve known in America. Where I spent every day after school and every summer. My families immigration journey began in 1980 with my great abuela Panchita & my Tia Alicia arriving first on the Mariel boat lift. After that, we continued arriving here in pieces. My abuela and abuelo in 1990, my mom and I in 1996 (having to leave my dad behind, which I still cry about just typing this) and later my Tia Maritza and cousin Jeffry FINALLY making it to Miami in 2006 after years of trying to get them out. My grandfather who you see in this video, worked every single day for 20 years at a paint factory in Hialeah, FL. Working the overnight shift, 6 PM to 6 AM. Making pennies, only enough to pay his rent here, and send money for his family to survive back home. So many years of sacrifice, knowing it would be worth it once we were all here together & free. Free to practice our religion, free to vote, free to speak our minds, free to protest, and free to criticize our government when they are wrong. Basic rights that are denied to so many around the world. We are just ONE small story of immigration out of millions. Our stories ARE the American dream and should be shared and celebrated. ❤️🤍💙 Thank you a million times over to @alexanderjulian for including us. @alexandersaladrigas for your stunning photos. @lonacair for this footage! And everyone else who made this happen. Please please follow along on @thelandofmilkandhoney to hear the other families stories and celebrate with us.