Angelica was born in Gamboa, Panama in 1930. She was raised by her loving grandparents since she was born. Her favorite childhood memories are around the church. She shared that her family did not celebrate birthdays, and she never had a Quinceanera. On her birthday she was told “you are another year older” and that was that. But she fondly remembers celebrating her first communion and confirmation. While they did not have much money, her grandparents were kind. They did not have televisions in Panama yet, but the family often listened to the radio together to learn of the world. She began working at a young age taking care of children and helping people out in their homes. When reflecting on the best advice from her grandparents, Angelica remembers, “they would often say that there was always a good road and a bad road and try to always live on the good road”
Angelica and her son moved to the US when she was in her 40s. He was a trained electrician and went back to school in the US. She has been a member of LBFE since 2006 and has made many friends of all ages through the programs.
In closing, Angelica shares advice for young people: Stay away from drugs and drinking and get an education so you can live a long and healthy life. She also shares with people of all ages that “people must help the seniors” and we should try to take care of older people just as much as we help younger people. Some seniors need a lot of help, and the young people today must rise to it.