Recently a very good childhood friend invited me to his parent’s house for a good old fashion pig roast. Upon accepting his invitation I did what a normal Latino would do, invite a few more family and friends.

You see we grew up thinking if you brought a friend of yours to a party, then by default he was immediately a friend of the host and thus welcomed with hugs and kisses. We brought people home to become friends, it was after we were friends that we went out to dinner etc… Doesn’t that make more sense? How can you can create a greater bond than by sharing your home and as my niece would say “BTW Tio” why would you want to be seen with someone you don’t know! OK, I am getting off point.

I realized that becoming Americanisado has its price!  When bringing guests to an Anglo get together it is necessary to register the guest, pass the background check with both spouses, have a recalculated accounting of the entire menu and arrangements must be made for the gifts that each guest will bring. 

So, when the SIX of us (in two separate cars) arrived, I was a little nervous to say the least.  Immediately I inquired if this was an issue, “is it too many people?” I asked, of course it IS said my friend’s dad, did you bring food or at least a check to cover the expenses?  Like a good Latino American I brought lots of wine, he was satisfied with my answer.

As the afternoon rolled on so did the pig. Food and drink of every sort, the music played, people talked and danced and the kids played. Latinos from many countries shared in what was a great day.

The next day my friend called me and said, “My mom and dad were so happy you brought your family and friends, they were so nice and we had such a good time”. Sometimes you just forget how good it is to be Latino, how our ways REALLY are good!!!  So as we strive to achieve the American dream lets not forget!!!