I was only 17 years old when I came to the U.S. for the first time. It wasn’t just the first time I’d come here, but also the first time I was on a plane, the first time I left my country, and the first time I was so far away from everyone I loved. I landed in Fresno Air Terminal (since renamed to Fresno Yosemite International Airport) and was greeted by the couple that would be my host family for a time. Bob and Wilma Suderman were older, with grown children of their own, but they’d opened their home to me as well as several other international students. They had huge hearts and the willingness to make a difference in a young man from Guatemala with big dreams.

It’s been so long since that first day at the airport, and when I look at my life today, I realize that I’m the product of the blessings of so many great and inspiring people: My parents; my friends; my host family, including sweet Wilma, who was one of the most giving people I have ever known. I didn’t live with Wilma and Bob for very long, but we got to know each other during the short time we spent together, and they helped me tremendously, especially with my English.

Wilma passed away a couple of weeks ago, and I made the trip out to Reedley to say goodbye. I could sense how much Bob appreciated that I had come, and I was so happy to be there. Wilma’s daughter stood up to give a very touching eulogy, and I remembered all the happy times I’d spent with the Sudermans. They took me to my first football game, where I saw the 49ers play and became a fan for life. We went to Yosemite together, and the Rose Parade, and even to Hollywood and Disneyland. They treated me like I was their son, and I will always be thankful for that.

The day of Wilma’s funeral, I had a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, but I also felt grateful that our paths had crossed. Wilma loved to read, like I did, and she always had a book in her hands. She would have been an incredible contestant on Jeopardy. She always took the time to correct my English, as well as read and critique my writing, for which I will always be thankful. She made my arrival into this country that much easier, and it was her help and encouragement that allowed me to learn English in no time.

Remembering Wilma and Bob and all they did for me made me realize that even though we are the ones who ultimately decide who we want to be, we also become who we are thanks to the people who helped us along the way. I often hear people boast that they’re a “self-made man,” and this claim always strikes me as selfish. As the saying goes, “No man is an island,” and I truly believe that, whether we like it or not, we are all products of the people who helped or hindered us along the way, whether it was our parents, our friends, or our teachers.

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I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t met Bob and Wilma and been fortunate enough to learn from them. I will always be thankful to them for opening their home and their hearts to me, and in so doing, teaching me that the world was full of opportunities.

Skillfully edited by Tara May

 

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