My Life in America in a Nutshell: The Story of a Black Immigrant Woman

By Eurith M. Miller

This book is about a young woman who came to America to find a better life. Through her quest she encountered many challenges, grief and discrimination. She did not let that defeat her in fulfilling her dream. She married her best friend and created a family of four. Through it all, she stayed consistent, learned from her many obstacles, pursued higher education, did all the things that encouraged financial independence and found happiness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664146129

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Copyright © 2020 by Eurith M. Miller.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 12/04/2020

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1 Coming to the United States of America

2 Working in America for the First Time

3 Engagement and Marriage

4 Family

5 Discrimination

6 Business and Investments

7 Deaths in the Family

8 My Brush with Death

9 Taking Control of My Life

10 Travel and Fun

Source/s

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book would not have been possible had it not been for the ungrudging efforts of many of my family members.

TO MY PARENTS

I am so proud to have called you Mama and Papa. The values that you instilled in me are seamless. You were the best examples and, more importantly, my role models. You taught me never to give up and always follow my dreams. You also taught me the importance of education and family. You both were the most beautiful human beings that God has ever created. I love you both and miss you dearly. Rest in peace.

TO MY SISTER

You were my world. You have made me such a better person today. You taught me how to forgive, showed me how to be patient, and encouraged me to persevere in order to accomplish my goals. You inspired me. Although you were at a disadvantage, you proved to us all that it was possible to use it to your advantage. And you did it not only with grace and pride but also with confidence. You never failed to give me a lending ear and always provided me with comforting words. Thanks for being there through the years and for being the most loving sister one could ever have. I love you, adore you, and miss you so much.

TO MY KIDS

I love you so much. Each time I look at you, I see bright shining stars. You complete my life. I am so proud of you for being leaders. I look forward to your great accomplishments. I admire you. Thank you for being a source of inspiration to me and always believing and trusting in me. I know you will continue to make me proud.

TO MY HUSBAND

Thanks for being there all these years. Words alone cannot express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the love, help, and support you have given me. You stood by my side throughout my ordeals. Your positive reinforcement is monumental. It is very comforting to know that the confidence and trust you have in me cannot be easily persuaded by others. Thanks for being there when I needed you most. Your words of encouragement are inspiring, captivating, and motivating. I will always love you.

TO MY EDITORS AND PRODUCTION TEAM

Thank you for the time vested in me and in making this book a reality. It is very much appreciated.

INTRODUCTION

Forty years ago, I migrated to the United States to find a better life. Unfortunately, that better life did not come very easily. My sisters and I drifted apart only months after being in the States. I was living out of my boyfriend’s car. My earlier jobs were nothing to write home about. They could barely cover my living expenses.

Seven years after being in the US, I married my best friend and had a wonderful family. Things were perfect for a while, but we all know that both marriage and family take a lot of work. Communications became an issue, and my husband and I needed counseling to get our marriage back on track.

I later found my dream job in higher education and, for the first time, was able to provide for my family in a way I have always dreamt of. My husband and I were also able to start numerous businesses and were able to provide employment opportunities for residents in the area. We were doing well and were able to give back to our community. This gives us a sense of pride to know that we are contributing to the development of where we work. It also lets us see the area from a new perspective and help to boost our self-esteem. My husband was able to network by sitting on many of the committees and organizations creating opportunities for the future.

Life was great until two of my siblings were diagnosed with and succumbed to cancer. The passing of my brother, their eldest son, had an immediate impact on the lives of my parents. My mom had a stroke and became vegetated. This was very difficult for our dad. We all knew his days were numbered. They were very close. Neither of them would survive each other’s suffering. A family reunion was planned and carried out but was interrupted by a hurricane. The good thing was, we were all together to experience this, and we just made the best of it. Our relatives from the United States and England were all together spending what would have been the last time with both my dad and his nephew. Two months later, he had a heart attack and passed.

Upon informing my first cousin of the