This story follows my parents’ life, Sergio and Gloria Moreno, as they get ready to retire and move back to Mexico. It is an extension to a current ongoing project; Mami y Papi, where I illustrate my experience as a daughter of immigrants, slowly comprehending their journey and determination. As their daughter and witness to their story and journey, spending my time photographing them has allowed me to interpret my parent’s life decision to go back. Raising questions about their ultimate decision- why leave it all behind? Is their decision affecting anyone? What do others (family and friends) think about it? Ultimately providing a window into a story that breaks down my parent’s American dream of providing better opportunities for me, my siblings, and grandmothers, as it genuinely exists. I find it important for me to create work that brings awareness to current social and cultural realities through the narrative of a woman of color in America.

During the last couple of weeks I have documented my parents, Sergio and Gloria Moreno, in their favorite places and spaces, with the people who care about them. I felt it was significant to include the people and communities that have a close relationship with my parents, as well as the things they do outside of their home in the Bay Area, further investigating my questions and feelings towards their decision and goal. Through this photographic journey we see them in their home in San Pablo, California, Iglesia Bautista Biblica Hispana in Pinole, California, the church they congregate at, and their favorite park; Refugio Valley Park in Hercules, California. Seeing and photographing them engaging with their friends and family is very clear how much they will be missed.