THE DEL AMO LAW BULLETIN Volume 1 Issue 16 July 1, 2022

Carlos and Olga del Amo An American Story by: Carlos del Amo Carlos Blas del Amo (“Papi”) was born on February 3, 1929. Olga Cecilia de los Milagros Perez, (“Mami”) was born on November 22, 1927, both were born in Santiago de las Vegas, Havana, Cuba. Papi’s mother was a young teenager when Papi was born. Minino, Papi’s father abandoned his teenage wife and son when Papi was a young boy, forcing Papi to the streets to earn a living to support my grandmother. Papi only completed, a 4th grade formal education and grew up in the streets. Much later in life, Minino, like the protocol son, destitute at the time, came back into Papi’s life. Without hesitation, Papi forgave him, met him with open arms, and cared for him for the rest of my grandfather’s life. Mami’s family was also extremely poor. So exceedingly early in life, Mami dropped out of school and worked several jobs to help her parents support the family. Mami raise her three younger siblings. She was the glue that held the family together through the good times and the bad. Although from humble beginnings, Mami was a picture of strength and dignity, always well-mannered, well-groomed, and a vision of femininity.   Papi eventually became the supervisor of a textile manufacturing plant. Mami was an employee at the plant. Every day, Papi would carpool several women employees to the plant, and Mami always made sure she was sitting right next to him in the car. They were married on June 30, 1949. Gise, my sister was born on March 15, 1950, and I was born on September 26, 1953. My youngest brother, Ramiro Eduardo, was born much later after my parents were reunited, on November 21, 1965. In 1959, Fidel Castro took over in Cuba. Mami was working for the U.S. embassy during that time. On April 17, 1961, Cuban exiles from Miami invaded Cuba in a failed attempt to overthrow what had now become a communist dictatorship. When Castro took over in Cuba, Mami knew she had to get my sister and I out of the country. After the invasion, Mami was offered immediate residency in the U.S. for her and her family, if we left Cuba on or before April 29, 1961. Mami and Papi decided that Mami, my sister and I would go. Papi stayed behind to protect the business and wealth they had worked so hard to attain. He was sure that the U.S. would send a second invasion in the next 90 days, and when it was over, we could return. Instead, he was arrested and falsely imprisoned for a year so that the government could confiscate his possessions. The stories Papi told me about his year in prison were horrifying.   Mami, my 10-year-old sister and I, began life in this strange new land, the U.S. Mami worked at the Cuban refugee center in Miami. Every day she would hear about the suffering of our people in Cuba and the horror stories of how prisoners were tortured and killed. She became seriously ill, so she returned to Cuba, leaving us behind. She was supposed to return in three months. Three months turned into a year because the Cuban government would rescind with reason her permission to leave. Before Mami was allowed to leave, she contracted hepatitis. She boarded the plane extremely sick, with dark glasses and made her way back to us. By the time Mami returned, my sister and I had gone to live with a Cousin in Harlem. We then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where Mami worked various jobs to support us while saving up money to get my father out of Cuba. We were extremely poor but lack noting. Papi got out of prison only to find that the authorities were going to send him back. Papi was always ready to make the tough decisions for the best interest of his family. He chose to leave Cuba while his beloved mother begged him to stay, dying riddled with cancer, because he knew that if he stayed, he would not be able to leave after her death. When Papi finally arrived in the U.S., he started parking cars at a Chevrolet dealership. From there he worked on a conveyor belt making plastic cups. Then without knowing the language or knowing how to paint, he decided to go into business for himself. He started a painting company that grew to paint part of Annapolis Naval base and big cargo ship in the Chesapeake bay. When wigs were the craze, not knowing the wig business, he opened five wig stores, then started wholesaling and importing wigs. He then became partners with his old boss from Cuba importing denim from the far east. Not knowing the shoe business, he then started an import export firm importing fashion shoes from Spain, Italy, and Colombia. Next, not knowing the handbag business, he bought a factory in Miami making handbags and leased one in Bucaramanga, Colombia all the time importing handbags from the far east. Thereafter, he bought and started a cold storage facility and a cash and carry store, He broker meats and ran a slaughterhouse in North Carolina. Next, he imported fresh fish from Ecuador, Panama and the Turks and Caicos becoming the largest fresh fish importers in Florida, importing over 150,000 of fresh fish a month. In his later years, he opened a plant nursery and ended this amazing business life flipping houses. In his business dealings, he was always shrewd but fair. During the fourteen years that I worked with him, we had several businesses together, with many ups and downs. He was always positive, looking forward to the victories and never regretting the past. Papi was an outstanding provider. We never lacked anything. With him at the helm, we went from poverty to middle class to prosperity in a brief period and never looked back. In the last years, Papi battled dementia/Alzheimer’s with dignity, courage and childlike innocence. Papi and Mami were very loyal to their family and friends. They were always there when needed. Papi and Mami taught us to be men and women with conviction, perseverance, and above all, to treat everyone as we would want them to treat us, as equals. Mami and Papi’s married life was filled with adversity. From the beginning, no one thought the marriage would last. Together they work through various marital problems and stayed together. Divorce was never in their vocabulary. Papi told me money might come and go, but your family is forever. Never abandon them. They were married for over 72 years, and only death could separate them but not for long. Olga Cecilia de los Milagros del Amo Perez passed away, on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, quietly in her home. She was ninety-four years old. Carlos Blas del Amo passed away Monday, June 20, 2022, quietly at home. He was ninety-three years old.

Papi and Mami were never religious. However, in their 80’s, they started to go to church with me. Little by little, the holy spirit began to take hold of their heart. And they fell in love with Jesus Christ who changed the rest of their life forever. We who are left behind will miss them, but we also celebrate that decision because we believe they are now together and enjoying eternal life with God. They are right now, looking down on us, waiting for the moment when we to will join them. They were the most incredible earthly parents anyone could ever have. Papi and Mami, till we meet again!!! Papi and Mami’s story is an immigrant’s story. Each immigrant story is different, but all have a common theme. A theme of people yearning to be free. Free form war, or political, religious and economic oppression. Free to start over. Free to dream. My parents came to the United States fleeing oppression; seeking a better life for their family. Through hard honest work they achieved more than even they could have dreamed. Two parents who did not make it past a basic elementary education were able to see all three of their children graduate from a university and obtain advanced degrees; one becoming a lawyer and the other a periodontist. They were always eternally grateful to the U.S. for providing them the possibility to be able to work hard, support their family and achieve their dream. Without the freedom to pursue a dream, people are hopeless.   I often ponder how different my life would have been, if the United States had not opened their doors to me and my family. One of the best days in my parent’s and my life was the day, we pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and as orphans rejected by the country of our birth were adopted as citizens of this great country. Happy 4th of July. May God continue to bless this great country I call my home.

Get to Know Us: Giselle Alvarez “She believed she could, so she did.” As cheesy as it may sound, this quote has followed me throughout many different stages of my life. It was my high school yearbook quote (a yearbook I had the pleasure of being the editor-in-chief of and securing the first-place award!), my undergraduate college grad cap quote, and now, here it is again as I introduce myself to you.

My name is Giselle Alvarez, I am 23 years old, but by the time you read this, I will likely already be 24. That’s right—I am a July baby! My birthday falls on July 3, a day before Independence Day, which I believe to be how God manifested the American Dream for me. I was born in Havana, Cuba, on July 3, 1998, to Mami and Papi, who are celebrating their 32nd year of marriage. In 2001, when I was only two years old, my father got the astonishing news that he had won the visa lottery and would be able to take his wife and his two children with him to the United States; this was news that would later prove to have changed our entire life. From the moment my brother and I were born, our parents’ only goal in life was to search for a better life for their children. My parents were both college graduates struggling to make ends meet and raise their children amidst poverty and the totalitarian regime. They wanted a different life for us—they wanted prosperity, and they wanted us to pursue our dreams without prejudice or limits on our freedom. They wanted the American Dream. This dream became a reality in 2001, but our trip was delayed by the tragic and unfortunate September 11 attacks that left much uncertainty on a global level, especially concerning entry into the United States. The much-anticipated trip to the United States finally arrived on August 8, 2003, and from that day forward, my parents paved the path for me to set and achieve my goals. Mami always told me: “en la vida tú vas a poder lograr todo lo que te propongas. Tú tienes todo el potencial. Si quieres ser austronauta, vas a ser austronauta.” Although I didn’t become an astronaut (ha!), I sure am on the way to becoming a successful attorney and the first person in my entire family to receive a professional doctorate.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. While a student at Florida International University working towards completing both majors, I was simultaneously working full-time at a law firm that gave me three years of unique experience in the field of Criminal and Traffic Law. This job confirmed my passion for the field of law and encouraged me more than ever to pursue my dreams. I am now a rising 2L at St. Thomas University College of Law, where I have had the pleasure of meeting the most amazing friends, professors, and future colleagues. I am a member of the Intellectual Property Cyber Law Society and the Fashion Law Society, which gives a little insight into what I would like to do in the future as a practicing attorney. I will be working in intellectual property, preferably in the niche area of Fashion Law, where I will be dealing with copyright, contracts, and trademark and branding within the fashion industry. Initially, I would like to work in-house and eventually work towards owning a firm one day. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a “passion for fashion,” and I was likely a fashion stylist in another life. But, in this life, it only seems appropriate to join the two things I love most: Law and Fashion.

On a personal level, I am the true epitome of a Cancer in the horoscope. I am nurturing, sensitive (although strong in character!), compassionate, and extremely family orientated. I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a girlfriend, a granddaughter, and the list goes on... I would not be who I am today without the love and support of my family, my boyfriend and his family, and my friends. If I’m not studying or running around the firm, I travel, play with my dog, take care of my niece, watch Vogue videos on YouTube, or go to the movies. Fun fact: Legally Blonde is my favorite film, and if you know me personally, you could have probably guessed that.

I am the newest member of Del Amo Law, and it has been an absolute pleasure working for this firm and emerging into the world of litigation, particularly Family Law. As Mr. Del Amo’s Law Clerk, I have witnessed litigation procedures firsthand and had one-on-one experiences with clients and counsel alike. I look forward to entering the field of law as a practicing attorney equipped with the world of knowledge and experience that I have and will continue to acquire at Del Amo Law.

US INDEPENDENCE On the 4th of July, the United States dressed in white, red, and blue to celebrate a pivotal moment in the history of this country. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, which led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This day has been celebrated with fireworks, parades, and festivities ever since. Founding father and second President, John Adams envisioned what has come to pass to the present: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival…It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”  Thus, this country lights up the sky from North to South and East to West in the color of a flag representing freedom, equality, and liberty for all.

Celebrate our nation's independence  Monday, July 4, 2022

City of Miami Beach What: Fire on the Fourth When: 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (fireworks begin at 9 p.m.) Where: In and around the Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue

City of Palmetto Bay EVENT TIME: 6 - 9 pm FIREWORKS LAUNCH: 9:00 pm Where:  Village Hall (9705 East Hibiscus Street)

City of Hialeah What?: An all-day celebration at Milander Park Where?:4800 Palm Avenue, Hialeah When?: 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm

City of Coral Gables What?: Food trucks, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display When?: Grounds open at 5 p.m., live concert at 7 p.m., and fireworks show at 9 p.m. Where?: Biltmore Golf Course, 1200 Anastasia Avenue How Much?: FREE fireworks viewing on golf course lawn.

City of Key Biscayne What?: Jets flying over, marching bands, marching golf carts, red-white-and-blue floats, and tons of special entertainment! A full fledge parade is planned this year... rain or shine!!! When?: Parade starts at 11:00 am; Fireworks expected but still TBD Where?: Crandon Boulevard, from Harbor Drive to Westwood Drive.

City of Doral What?: Free fireworks display near Doral Glades Park area. When?: Fireworks at 9:20 pm Where?: Near the Doral Glades Park area. Watch from your home or online! There is also a special ticketed event for Residents only at Trump National Doral.

City of Homestead What?: A spectacular evening that features dozens of food vendors, live music, and more. When?: 6:00 to 10:00 pm Where?: Homestead Miami Speedway, One Speedway Blvd, Homestead FL

City of Miami Lakes What?: This exciting event for the entire family includes food trucks and live music followed by an amazing firework display to end the evening. When?: 6:00 pm Where?: Miami Lakes Veterans Park at 15151 NW 82nd Avenue, Miami Lakes

City of Aventura What?: A spectacular aerial display will illuminate the skies above the City. When?: Fireworks at 9:00 pm Where?: Watch along Country Club Drives

Inspirational Moments

Happy Independence Day to all the brave men and women who have fought for the freedom of the United States of America. Thank you for your patriotism, courage, and love for our country.

Notable Birthdays  Famous people born in July  Estee Lauder, Olivia De Havilland, Jamie Farr, Karen Black, Dan Aykroyd, Princess Diana, Carl Lewis, Pamela Anderson, Thurgood Marshall, Dave Thomas, Richard Petty, Lindsey Lohan, Ron Silver, Ken Russell, Pete Fountain, Dave Barry, Montel Williams, Tom Cruise, Taylor Dayne, Calvin Coolidge, Mitch Miller, Ann Landers, Abigail Van Buren, Gina Lollobrigida, JNeil Simon, Al Davis, George Steinbrenner  Our Family Giselle Alvarez, Ashley Coll, Christie Del Amo, Ariadna Alina Buenaventura, Judy Degibaja, Yami Dehombre, Franklin Del Castillo, Laura Rozen, Bernie Navarro, Salvatore Sicuso

Other very important people to us Luis Lopera, Yudieth Romero, Alicia Coll, Maria del Carmen Calero, Carmen Morales, Frank Romero, Leslie Castano, Eric Cheng, Yesenia Rodriguez, Karla Cardona, Enrique Perez, Rosa Chapman, Rosa Chatman Laborde, Fabricio Caetano, Sildifredo Holguin, Harold Morales, Yader Colao, Duberkis Martinez, Angela Rojas, Jenny Silva, Felix Nelson Roche, Quang Ky Phu, Liyla Woolston, Pedro Cardona, Alvaro Urbina, Marco Maldonado, Armands Jeknevics, Ashley Cruz Agustin, Jacqueline Chavala, Louis Vincent Tontodonato, Eva Correa, Magali Rivas, Pricilla Ortega, Karin L. Menendez, Elizabeth Nunez, Blanca Hernandez, Efrain Martell, Javiera Gonzalez, Guillermo Ramos, Guillermo Ramos, Rene Ansuarez, Evelio Tero, Pedro Marimon, Florentina Lillo, Lourdes Ruiz, Jorge Elias, Victor Portillo, Amerlia Lorenzo, Luis Jiron, Raquel Rothman, Chantelle Hernandez, Chantelle Hernandez, Katesleedy Castro, Katesleedy, Colbert Deslanes, Luis Garcia, Rebeca D Mendoza, Camilo Marrero, Mariela Colon, Giuliano Hashimoto, Hiran Palacios, Noemi Marin, Antonio Gordon, Artur Skowronski, Jean Joseph, Maria Pineda, Anett Rojas Ruiz, Elma Sayles, Kenny Reyes, Sisto Daniel Banegas, Geneive Madonna, Ricardo Aponte, Elina Yaldinia, Buenaventura Romero, Leonardo Remedios, Eden Rancano, Tomas Gomez, Melana Foster, Conrado Pichel, Marie Luckey, Adalberto Aurelio Delgado, Israel Arencibia, Martha Soriano, Omar Davila, Robert Cruz- Caseres, Shahab Alli, Dania Severino-Solano, Kevin Andino, Juan Guillermo Velez, Maria Baldizon, Nancy Villanueva, Jose Marino, Minerva Miyares, Joseph Jonas

Calendar of Events July 4 - Independence Day July 12 - Malala Day July 18 - Nelson Mandela International Day July 24 - Parents' Day July 26 - Uncle and Aunt Day July 29 - NASA is founded July 30 - International Friendship Day

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Del Amo Law | Law Offices of Carlos del Amo, P.A. 3211 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 200, Coral Gables, FL 33134 T: (305) 443-7005 | F: (305) 443-2238 E-mail: Info@DelAmoLaw.com | Website: www.DelAmoLaw.com