Guest: Ricardo Jose Gonzalez-Rothi, AuthorOn LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-gonzalez-rothi/On YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MangoforYou2day_____________________________Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals PodcastOn ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli_____________________________This Episode’s SponsorsAre you interested in sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/sponsor-the-itspmagazine-podcast-network_____________________________Episode IntroductionAnd here we go. Welcome to another episode of ITSP magazine's Audio Signal podcast.I have the honor of meeting various fascinating individuals through this platform, and today, I got to chat with Ricardo, a writer, and someone whose life experiences are as rich and layered as the stories he writes. His book, The Mango Chronicle, isn't just storytelling; it's a journey through time, emotions, and the transformation of a refugee's life.The Mango Chronicle and Ricardo's StoryRicardo's recount of his initial years in Cuba and the eventual escape to the United States during a turbulent political period is compelling. He begins his narrative in Cuba, reminiscing about simple yet profound childhood moments with friends, like eating mangoes in a tree - a revelation that mangoes are more than just a fruit but a symbol of nostalgia and childhood joy.Ricardo shared:"I came to this country from Cuba as a refugee when I was just about to turn 13 years old. It wasn't an easy transition, but I have been very fortunate to be adopted by this country and to make something meaningful of my life here."Remembering to Forget, Remembering to ForgiveOne of the most poignant parts of our conversation revolved around two critical themes in Ricardo's book: remembering to forget and remembering to forgive. It’s not just his personal philosophy but a universal lesson in dealing with past trauma.Ricardo explained how, when he first arrived in the U.S., he had to selectively remember to forget the painful memories of his departure and the struggles his family faced. Yet, it was in this forgetting that he found the strength to build a new life. On the flip side, remembering to forgive was equally essential. Forgiveness wasn’t just a decision but a needed process to release bitterness."You will find that many people who leave the country as refugees always hear from their parents or whatever. They would say, when we go back, things will be better, but after a couple of years, you realize that you can’t go back."The Journey Back HomeIn 2009 and again in 2016, Ricardo returned to Cuba after decades away. These trips were more than just physical journeys back to his homeland; they were profound emotional experiences."The first time I went back, after more than 40 years, stepping off the plane and smelling the salty air, I felt like I was home. I started to cry. By 2016, I took my wife, daughters, and sons-in-law with me. We found my old house, and although it was a bittersweet experience, it was also enriching."The Power of StoriesThroughout our conversation, it was evident that Ricardo’s life is a testament to the power of storytelling. From his experiences in Cuba, heartbreaks, and triumphs in the U.S., to his philosophical reflections on forgiveness and remembrance - it all weaves together into a narrative that needs to be shared and heard."I think of it as my way of paying it forward. I'm not trying to make any personal profit from this book. Instead, I'm donating the royalties to charitable organizations, and I hope that by sharing my journey, others find hope and inspiration."Concluding ThoughtsRicardo’s story isn't just his own; it echoes the experiences of many who have had to leave their homes and start anew. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the necessity of forgiveness and understanding.For those interested, I highly recommend reading The Mango Chronicle to dive deeper into Ricardo’s thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. It's a powerful memoir that intertwines personal history with broader historical events, offering profound insights into the human condition.Call to ActionI encourage everyone to pick up a copy of The Mango Chronicle, not only to support Ricardo’s efforts to give back but to enrich your own understanding of a pivotal time in history through the eyes of someone who lived it. Tune into Audio Signals for more such compelling conversations and storiesAbout the BookA preadolescent boy is caught in Castro’s Revolution and struggles with trading a Cuban Huck Finn childhood for the price of liberty after fleeing with his family to New Jersey via Mexico.The boy reminisces about his roots in the barrio. He chronicles spirited narratives that range from stealing a rowboat and being nearly capsized by a Russian tanker, to befriending an...
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41 mins