after the cholera epidemic of 1887. Mixed with the instability of our economy, much of my fellow countrymen had no other choice but to leave the country we called home. My mother will weep to see the departure of her youngest son; however she will not need to worry about her son forgetting the fundamentals of our culture. Even though leaving my country will challenge my strength as a man, my family will never fade from my heart.
In the light luggage I bring with me, I carry pictures of the ones I hold dearly. Family is the only thing irreplaceable in this world. Without relatives one truly has nothing; they are your backbone, no one can replace them. My photos will at least remind me of my memories with them and give me the motivation to keep going even at my lowest. To guide my way, the family bible will accompany me on the journey. The word of God protects and keeps you on the road of humility. Through thick and thin, He is there to give us strength and spirit to keep treading on our chosen path. This bible not only signifies my faith, as a Roman Catholic, but also holds sentimental value. Through the generations, it has been passed down finally reaching me. The honor and importance of this holy book is unmeasurable; it will keep me safe as it did my ancestors. Along with my bible, a rosary will be in my luggage. In times of need/destress, I can pray the holy rosary in hopes to overcome my obstacles. Each part holds meaning and prayers, Apostle's Creed prayed while holding the crucifix in one's hand, Our Father while holding the single, larger bead, then a prayer of the Hail Mary for each smaller bead. [Finish
paragraph] Life is never a smooth road; there is always bumps and turns, the only thing we can do is be prepared. In the US I’m uncertain whether I will have all my necessities or not, bringing some currency will provide some security. On arrival, I would have the option to exchange my Italian lira for the US dollar. Thus producing some funds I could use to feed myself, rent something, or buy some extra clothes. With smart financial choices, the money could be stretched for a good amount of time until the first paycheck. Finally, the last thing in my suitcase is a drawing pad. Since childhood, drawing provided stress relief and allowed me to express myself within the medium. Art give you the opportunity to create something from emotion; the feelings you have at the moment affect the result the piece. Going back to my previous state about life, art also helps keep me sane to a point. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, a pencil and paper provide the solution.