People of Inspiration

Dad

Background and Description

My Dad's name is Manuel Delgado, and he was born on October 6th, 1978, in Durango, Mexico. He is 5'8, has dark hair, and has a darker toned skn color.

My Dad is funny, hardworking, and an overcomer.

My Dad had me with my mom at 30 years old and has been an important figure in my life.

His STORY

My Dad was born and raised in Durango, Mexico until the age of 12. He migrated to the United States with my Grandma through a paid Coyote in order to be reunited with my grandpa. My Dad spent the rest of his childhood in Bakersfield, California. He lived with my Grandpa and his step grandmother, growing up as a Pastor's kid rooted in the church. My dad and my mom were best friends in the church and in school from the age of 14. Although my Dad had a well rooted family, growing up as an immigrant from a different country at a young age was troubling as he had to learn english in the midst of learning a new school curriculum, with the addition of growing up with an already strict hispanic househol. However, my father blossomed from these struggles and difficulties as well.

As my Dad began to mature as a young man, he followed my Grandpa's footsteps in becoming a singer through the ministry of the church. He traveled throughout California visiting churches and even churches in different states to minister to people through songs. This became a shared legacy with my grandpa before it was passed on to him to continue in his 20s. He then married my mom at 21 and continued the singing legacy until he was in his thirties and focused on raising my siblings and I, as well as a more workforce focued career.

Lessons, Takeaways, and Connection

There are many lessons that I have learned from my father, and many accomplishments that I have seen.

One example being his singing career. It is not easy choosing a career such as singing in the ministry of the church because it can be challanging and not as financially rewarding. Howver, the hearts he touched was very inspiring and his determination to be a willing worker and desciple served the church and my family well as we grew up with a strong faith and foundation.

An example of determination and resilliance from my dad would be when he spent a year training for the police academy, but unfortunatly suffered an injury that prevented him from continuing that career path. It was both devastating and shocking to him and us as a family, as my dad dedicated much time and effort into becoming a policeman. Although it was devastating, my dad was able to move on and heal, as he is know working up from different work positions for his current career path.

Quotes and Wisdom

1. "Tu vida no esta comprada."
• My dad told me this saying when he was telling me about his testimony at the age of 13 years old. He told me this saying with the context that to him, it meant that his life was not bought and he should never wait to do the right thing, especially when he knows what the right thing is. To my dad, the saying brought him clarity and correction, it brought conviction, but hope to a new thing that was coming.