The Distance Between Us Artifact #1
José’s story is parallel to Natalio Grande’s story, the father in The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande. Just like José, Natalio left his wife and family in Mexico to go work up in El Otro Lado, the United States. He wanted to build a dream house for his family in Mexico. One difference in the two stories is that Natalio sent for his wife, and while she was in the U.S., they had an American baby. However, the differences end there. Natalio left his wife, and married another woman, Mila, in the United States.
It seems, from themes mentioned in The Distance Between Us, these stories are not so unique. It seems to be a commonality.
Laryssa’s anecdote shows the differences between Natalio and his family’s immigration and her own. For Natalio, the process was simple compared to Laryssa’s. He crossed the border illegally, as did his wife and children. They did not have to go through all the paperwork and money that Laryssa and James have had to in order for her to come to the United States.
Though not to make it seem like the trials are not as bad, Natalio did have to fill out paperwork after he had been living in the United States for several years. He also had to pay the smuggler a few times in order for him to go back and forth the few times he did.
One similarity between Laryssa and the Distance Between Us is that Juana, Reyna’s mother, had two children (Leonardo and Betty) in the United States, making them U.S. citizens. Laryssa also has two children born in the United States.
After reading The Distance Between Us, I now am more aware of what life is like in Mexico. I can’t say I understand the hardships Reyna, José, and many others have faced because I have not ever had trials such like theirs. It is a sad thing that families are separated because it puts too much emotional strain on everyone involved. It is good, though, that they had good intentions in the beginning and end for some. I was much younger when Laryssa came to the United States, but I do know what it’s like for families to enter the United States. I love that after reading Reyna’s memoir, and researching on my own family’s, I am able to understand immigration more.
Adding your family's personal story, to the post, adds to it in many ways. Although you may not have crossed the border to become a citizen, you still have a personal connection to the concept. It's also very interesting how you compared Laryssa and Natalio's stories. After meeting Laryssa I would have never compared her to Natalio because of how sweet and kind she is, which is almost the complete opposite of Natalio. But, I think comparing the two make your post very interesting!!
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