When the young protagonist in this Judith Ortiz Cofer story reluctantly visits a nursing home to spend an hour with his abuelo (grandfather), he admits to knowing very little about the old man’s background. The abuelo has written a short biography. He seems quite proud of what he has achieved in life given the challenges that came his way. However, the naïve boy is left wondering why the old man didn’t fight harder to realize his childhood dreams. Themes: aging, memories, language (words), ambition, acceptance (Asi es la vida = Such is life!), regret, sacrifice, family responsibility.
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