Gaby Fernandez Sanchez

I reunited with my dad, I reconnected with my grandparents and all my family.

I went to theater school to one of the most amazing schools in the country.

I had a fantastic time.

But you see, when you're an immigrant, it's like you have this curse, right?

That no matter where you are in the world, you're always going to miss someone.

And I miss my mom.

So when I graduated in 08, I came back to America.

But this time it was different.

I was able to apply for papers and I became, long story short, an American citizen.

And of course, I met the love of my life in Miami and we took a Euro trip to go hang out with dad.

He booked a cruise down the Danube River,

And that's where he popped the question.

It was the perfect proposal, the perfect ring, the perfect man.

But then he said something that blew my mind.

He said, babe, you know, I'm so happy that we were able to celebrate our engagement here because your dad won't be able to come to our wedding in America.

At that point, I realized it's been 17 years.

17 years my dad has missed of our American life.

I'm talking graduations, driver licenses, plays, special moments.

And I refuse to let him miss another one.

I can't.