Brown Heart

I have a brown heart. Growing up, my mom worked odd hours to make ends meet, and the only person who was able to watch me, a four year old, at odd hours of the day was an immigrant.

Her name was Hilda. She emigrated from Mexico to pursue a better life, and when she came to the US she married a Russian Immigrant named Reinhardt, and collectively they pursued the "American Dream."

Growing up, I developed much admiration for their family, and a Spanish accent. This esteem developed into an exceptionally close bond with Hilda. Normally, I would throw a fit when my mom dumped me at the babysitter, but instead, I would throw a fit when my mom came to get me.

I haven't talked to Hilda or her family since I was nine. According to my mom, Hilda had a plan to kidnap me and take me to Mexico City. She was no longer my babysitter after this "plan" was uncovered. My bond with Hilda was transparent, and I still question if the "plan" evasion was a euphemism for my mom's jealousy.

I don't know where to begin to judge if one family is better than another, but if success is a qualifier, then Hilda's family surpassed many Americans: Reinhardt worked full-time and paid his taxes; Their children grew up to be role model citizens- Jimmy, her oldest son, was a super athlete, Ledi joined the Army, and Janet graduated college.

Removing families like this would be detrimental to the diversity of our country and the economy. I don't believe that Hilda's family was an outlier or even uncommon. Additional hard working educated people can do nothing but foster a stronger nation, despite the banal complaints regarding health care, education, and crime.