My childhood

My friend and I as a little girl

I was born on July 9th, 1995 in Chicago Illinois. I was named  Karina Irma Rivera Rojas. My parents got my name Karina  from a character out of a Spanish soap opera; Irma was my dad's mother's name. I never got to meet her since she passed before I was born. It hurt not having the chance to meet my grandmother who everyone describes as the most beautiful, smart and kind woman. I remember that my parents used to take me to so many places such as the park, beach, and movie theater. I had a great childhood that I would never forget.

When I turned two years old my parents got separated. I was sent to Puerto Rico with my mother's parents. I had lost all communication with my parents  after I went to live with my grandparents. To me they were like my parents and I couldn't have asked for better grandparents. They were the best grandparents in the world. It was three years before I saw my mother again; she moved to Puerto Rico. It was also the first time I met my little brother Christopher who was 8 months old when they moved in with us. I was happy to have my mother back after all those years left behind without seeing her. My mother started to visit church with me and my brother. I liked the fact of going with my mother to church because I started to meet other kids. While time was passing, my mother met this nice guy in church and they started dating. They got married and my mom had her third child who is my little sister named Eunice. She was so adorable as a baby. I remember my mother used to give her to me so I could carry her on my lap.

When I was nine years old I was going to church and suddenly one of my friends from church told me to go outside and when I did I saw my father standing there. I couldn't believe it; it was like a dream come true, I was the happiest girl in the world that day. We embraced so tightly, kissed and cried together. It had been seven years and I missed him so much. We had a wonderful time together. He took me out to eat pizza, we talked and caught up on things. He also took me to the arcade and I beat him at all the games. He stayed for a few days and that was the last time I saw him, it's been ten years since that day. We still talk once in a while, but I haven't seen him. I hope one day not so far from now I will be able to see and hug him and spend some time with my father.

Now that I'm all grown up I miss those days when I didn't have to worry about anything because I knew my parents were always going to be there for me, but that's the thought of a little girl. As you grow up you realize that you can't have everything you want in this life. I have learned that is a part of this life.