Clashing Waves: Memories of a Cuban Immigrant

Growing up in Havana, Cuba, author Waldo Lopez-Aqueres's life has been one of challenge, heartbreak, and adversity. At four, he almost lost his own life shortly after his mother lost hers. He was then rejected by his paternal grandparents and siblings. But he found comfort and acceptance with his maternal brothers and sisters, and from their love he found courage, hope, and an intense motivation to learn. As his body grew, so did his confidence and determination to rise above the terrors of his childhood. His young dreams were nearly derailed, however, by the arrival of a totalitarian communist government. At twenty, his world - like that of many other Cubans - began to crumble around him, and his life and his ambitions were interrupted. Frustrated and disenchanted with the Cuban revolution, he immigrated to the United States at twenty-two to begin a new life. It was a daily struggle to adapt to a new culture, language and way of life. Waldo did adapt, though; he went on to achieve personal, professional, and academic success in his adopted new home. Dr. Lopez-Aqueres exemplifies how the power of the human spirit can rise above adversity and how anyone with dedication, perseverance, and willpower can attain a meaningful and gratifying life. This is the story of his American dream come true, shared in intimate and inspirational detail.