I have told my story many times, in my mind, where only God and my conscience listen. I remember my father's words when I mentioned my intention to immigrate to the United States. He firmly asked me, "Why?" My answer was, "For the American dream." He, his eyes full of tears, told me: "It is better to eat a banana and an egg on a dirt floor with your loved ones, than to live in a palace far from them." Although I understood their fear, my faith in God and a clear dream drove me forward. Four years ago, God showed me in a dream that I would leave Cuba by plane, I saw my Cuban flag next to the U.S. flag, both waving gracefully. White pigeons turned into planes that took me to a large airport and then, in a fast boat, I saw dry land in the distance. That day I knew I would be traveling for work. Cuba does not make it easy to leave the country, but I was waiting for the opportunity that God would give me to take the first step. I am a woman of faith and courage, I always dreamed of being a professional and helping people. After nine years of studies, I became a Doctor of General Medicine, Idelmis Ramírez Martinez. I practiced my profession with pride, and I keep those memories as treasures, as well as my title on the wall. However, life gave me a greater gift: to be the mother of a beautiful and intelligent child, my prince. He wanted a better life for us, but in Cuba, a doctor's salary is not even enough to eat. God gave me the courage to seek new opportunities in the U.S. Here, hands that once held a stethoscope now wash dishes in a large kitchen. Although I feel like I'm just discovering English, I know that I will achieve my dreams with effort and faith. My friend Ana, an angel in my life, helped me defect from a medical mission in Venezuela, where the Cuban government kept 90% of my salary. I knew that desertion would mean not being able to visit my family for eight years, a severe punishment. But with full awareness of the laws, I took on the challenge. My parents and the rest of the family tell me to have faith, that the laws can change, but I know that I must do my best to bring them with me. I take advantage of all the opportunities this country offers and try to enjoy life to the fullest, knowing that my loved ones take comfort in knowing that I am okay. With my son I am a present mother, even though we are separated by thousands of miles. I am attentive to every aspect of his life and his upbringing, wishing to be there to embrace him and share every moment. My most intense feelings are for my family, my son, my profession and my faith. There is much more I could tell, but there is not enough time or paper. I am also an inveterate romantic, a believer in true love and kindness. I consider myself a special woman, a hidden treasure that only the man who sees in me that little princess that my father saw, will deserve.

He contado mi historia muchas veces, en mi mente, donde solo Dios y mi conciencia escuchan. Recuerdo las palabras de mi padre cuando le mencioné mi intención de emigrar a Estados Unidos. Con firmeza me preguntó: "¿Por qué?". Mi respuesta fue: "Por el sueño americano". Él, con los ojos llenos de lágrimas, me dijo: "Es mejor comerte un plátano y un huevo en un piso de tierra con tus seres queridos, que vivir en un palacio lejos de ellos". Aunque comprendí su miedo, mi fe en Dios y un sueño claro me impulsaron a seguir adelante. Hace cuatro años, Dios me mostró en un sueño que saldría de Cuba en avión, vi mi bandera cubana junto a la de EE.UU., ambas ondeando con gracia. Palomas blancas se convirtieron en aviones que me llevaban a un gran aeropuerto y luego, en un barco veloz, veía tierra firme a lo lejos. Ese día supe que viajaría por trabajo. Cuba no facilita salir del país, pero esperaba la oportunidad que Dios me daría para dar el primer paso. Soy una mujer de fe y valentía, siempre soñé con ser profesional y ayudar a las personas. Después de nueve años de estudios, me convertí en Dra. en Medicina General, Idelmis Ramírez Martinez. Ejercí mi profesión con orgullo y guardo esos recuerdos como tesoros, así como mi título en la pared. Sin embargo, la vida me dio un regalo más grande: ser madre de un niño hermoso e inteligente, mi príncipe. Quería una vida mejor para nosotros, pero en Cuba, el salario de un médico no alcanza ni para comer. Dios me dio el valor de buscar nuevas oportunidades en EE.UU. Aquí, las manos que antes sostenían un estetoscopio hoy lavan platos en una gran cocina. Aunque siento que apenas descubro el inglés, sé que alcanzaré mis sueños con esfuerzo y fe. Mi amiga Ana, un ángel en mi vida, me ayudó a desertar de una misión médica en Venezuela, donde el gobierno cubano se quedaba con el 90% de mi salario. Sabía que la deserción significaría no poder visitar a mi familia por ocho años, un castigo severo. Pero con plena conciencia de las leyes, asumí el reto. Mis padres y el resto de la familia me dicen que tenga fe, que las leyes pueden cambiar, pero sé que debo esforzarme al máximo para traerlos conmigo. Aprovecho todas las oportunidades que ofrece este país y trato de disfrutar la vida al máximo, sabiendo que mis seres queridos se consuelan sabiendo que estoy bien. Con mi hijo soy una madre presente, aunque estemos separados por miles de millas. Estoy atenta a cada aspecto de su vida y su educación, deseando estar allí para abrazarlo y compartir cada momento. Mis sentimientos más intensos son por mi familia, mi hijo, mi profesión y mi fe. Hay mucho más que podría contar, pero no alcanza el tiempo ni el papel. También soy una romántica empedernida, creyente en el amor verdadero y la bondad. Me considero una mujer especial, un tesoro escondido que solo el hombre que vea en mí aquella princesita que mi padre veía, merecerá.

The Fox Valley Literacy "Voices from our Community" experience was nothing short of extraordinary. We could not help but be inspired by the people we met and the stories they carried with them. They have faced hardships and obstacles we could never imagine and have had to make choices far more difficult than most of us will ever encounter in our lives. Idelmis described a story of courage, strength, and sacrifice I will never forget. I was in awe of her faith and her relentless pursuit of a dream that could support her family. After meeting her, I could not shake the image of her trained physician's hands relegated to washing dishes in a restaurant a world away from her home. The image of her hands exemplified both the sacrifices she made and the strength she holds to achieve her dreams and reunite her family. I tried my best to capture this story in a song entitled, "These Hands."

Wisconsin-based, The Belle Weather is the heavy, rhythmic storm of an acoustic guitar, the deep pulse of an upright bass, and the soaring elegance of cello, violin, and voice. They are equal parts modern folk and indie rock—a fusion of inspired anthems and the art of simple storytelling. Over the years, The Belle Weather has drawn from a wide range of influences to craft a sound that is uniquely their own. They've built a reputation for bringing gritty, sweat-drenched energy and heartfelt sonic grace to every stage they step on. With a deep love for what they do and a loyal fan base that shares their sense of musical adventure, The Belle Weather continues to carve out a space where authenticity and artistry collide.