Seven years. It was supposed to be five years and some months, not that it's much less, but just when my mind contemplated the idea of a reunion, two more years were hammered down to his sentence along with a deportation to Mexico. Before my father's misfortune hit the family, one could say we were comfortable with our economic circumstances. Then without anticipation, the unthinkable occurred. My primary role model was gone,imprisoned; my responsibilities intensified, and the way I...

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