Atlantis

A Story by melissa

I am of Cuban heritage, and the story I am about to write is that of my mothers. It inspires me in so many ways, and makes me realizes how lucky I am.

As a young girl I remember sitting on my mothers lap waiting for her to tell me a story that would change my life. That night, while I was sitting on her lap, my eyes anxiously looking up to her face, she told me, "Melissa, I am going to tell you the story of how I came to America."

"When I was eight years old," My mother said, "The borders of Cuba to America opened. Which means, Cuban's were leaving Cuba in boatloads, and America was granting them welcome. It was crazy, and very hectic. I was scared, and so was my older brother. The worst part was that they would send the boats in the most terrible of weathers, and expect us to survive." My mother pinched the bridge of her nose, and sighed. "I remember 15 foot waves, lightning. And the thunder was so loud, I still hear it in my dreams. The boat was very small. I don't know how we managed to fit 20 adults in there, including children. I was so scared that I wasn't going to make it, that I would just sit and look at the dark water. I thought I was going to die at eight years old." My mother looked at me with thoughtful eyes. "There were sharks circling our sinking boat, and my father yelled to get buckets and scoop the water out. But we couldn't keep scooping all that water out, so eventually, the boat did sink. We had to swim, swim for our lives, to get to International Waters to get help. And finally, after what seemed like days, we made it." My mothers smile almost brought tears to my eyes.

"Finally, we were here. In America. And at eight years old, I was anemic and only 30 pounds. It surprises me, how little I had. What little I came from, and now I have a house, a beautiful daughter, and enough money to get us by without starving. I had nothing in Cuba, no home or shelter, or food, or toys. I came here for you, Melissa. So that you didn't have to live the life that I had to live."

Then she smiled brightly, and looked to our fish tank, which was filled with colorful fishes and a decoration piece of a sunken boat that read "ATLANTIS".

"I've had that boat since I came to this country. My father made it for me, and he told me to always keep it. For Atlantis was the boat that brought us here. I've had it for 30 years. Whenever I look at it, I feel content. Happy, because I was one of the lucky ones. Many boats vanished, and people were never found. Atlantis, sinking with over 20 people on board, made it. I thank God everyday."

I looked at my mother with admiration, before she kissed my forehead, and tucked me into bed. I closed my eyes that night, and I dreamt of Atlantis.