Under the same moon

Rosario Reyes left her son Carlitos in a search for a better life she wanted to provide for her only love - her child. At that time it seemed like a good idea: her mother would be taking good care of Carlitos. She knew that Carlitos would be safe, warm and fed. No one could replace Rosario to Carlitos but her mom would provide the best replacement at that time. As every mother would, Rosario had big dreams and a bright future that she envisioned for her son. Putting her own dreams aside, she patiently dedicated herself to earn more money in the United States as an illegal immigrant. Pennies earned in the "dream country" would go a long way back at home in Mexico.

The financial life in Mexico is difficult. Most people do not have lots of money and instead of enjoying a care-free life like every person dreams to do, they are forced to work long hours with a back braking physical labor for just a little amount of money that feeds their families. So it's a struggle for survival, and you're probably considered to be lucky if you actually have a job in Mexico. No money - no jobs makes one viscous cycle. So the neighboring country with lots of opportunities seems like a good, even if risky, option that a lot of Mexicans , including Rosario, choose. Rosario's love for her son Carlitos was so strong that she put her life "on hold"and strived to better her child's life.
When Rosario left her son behind in Mexico, she left much more that just that. She left her son to grow up without a mother. During the 9th birthday party Carlitos surely wanted just one person to be with him - his mother. The boy was forced to grow up fast. He dealt with life in a more mature way than anyone would expect a 9 year old to do due to the fact that he had to be strong - no mother beside him and a very sick grandmother couldn't have provided him a strong "wall" to lean on when times were tough. Rosario was heartbroken while living in the United States. Sunday phone conversations were hurtful reminders about the consequences of her tough but brave decision. She had to stay strong physically and mentally for her son. Physically because she worked two jobs on every day basis; mentally - Carlitos was hanging on to every word he heard from his mother over the phone every Sunday. Rosario had to sound confident in order to keep Carlitos believing in their happy ending. She also dealt with as lot of heartache. She had no family beside her and most importantly she was missing out on the relationship with her son.

I do not believe a mother in the United States would have made the same choice as Rosario. The one and only reason - this country is full of opportunities and options for everyone living here. The difference starts at the question "how far are you willing to go?" In most cases American moms are able to be with their children, even having to work they are still able to at least tuck them in to bed at night. Like I mentioned above, the opportunities are often in this country, so if your current situation doesn't work - you are able to work it out, because you have options; but leaving this country to provide a better life for your child is never a difficult choice you have to make here.