Dos Vidas?

Many people say that when we come to a country like this, we try our best to assimilate. I couldn't agree with that statement more, especially because I see it in my own family. My mother was born with dark brown hair, blue eyes, and olive colored skin. Although she is a very petite woman, she could actually kick your ass in a matter of seconds. Trust me on this one. My parents came from Cuba with literally nothing in hand. They have worked very hard and are proud parents not only because of what they have accomplished during their own lives, but also because they are very proud of their own children. As I have stated in another blog, my mom likes to hangout with the well, "higher end" people who live on our block. See, we live in a beautiful little old town by the name of Alameda. Due to my parents' sacrifices, we live in one of the best parts in town in a well-known craftsman home. But like my mom always says, "People don't have to know our lives inside of the home, outside." I find it HILARIOUS actually. Mom dresses in these 54395043904 dollar dresses, gets her hair done, makeup done, (she's blonde now by the way) and goes out and has a wonderful time laughing over wine and dinners pretending she has the slightest interest in what everyone is talking about. One of the things I've learned and appreciated from my mom and dad is in life, in order to succeed, you must get together and hangout with people who are actually going to get you somewhere in life. You learn from them, they learn from you, but in the end, never, ever lose who you really are.
My mom comes home and takes that dress and heels off quicker than I can ask her, "How did it go?" Before I know it, she is already in her yoga pants and t-shirt. She looks at me and just laughs. "They talked about this french restaurant. We ate salad that they barely touched, and next week they want to go look at flower arrangements." We both laugh and mom makes herself a big old plate of anything she can whip up. (Cuban, of course.)
Everyday I continue to ask her- "Mom, why are you hanging out with these people?"
Her answer never fails. "You see, they're my friends. I learn from them, and they learn from me. I mean come on, when did you think Rosanne was going to be able to boil a good old plate of black beans in her life. They keep me going and allow me to strive. They allow me to dream. We came to this country to get somewhere, to make you and your brother succeed. It's okay to have multiple groups of friends. That's what I have and I wouldn't want it any other way."