Episode Details

Guest: Ricardo Jose Gonzalez-Rothi, Author

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-gonzalez-rothi/

On YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MangoforYou2day

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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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Episode Introduction

And here we go. Welcome to another episode of ITSP magazine's Audio Signal podcast.

I have the honor of meeting various fascinating individuals through this platform, and today, I got to chat with Ricardo, a writer, and someone whose life experiences are as rich and layered as the stories he writes. His book, The Mango Chronicle, isn't just storytelling; it's a journey through time, emotions, and the transformation of a refugee's life.

The Mango Chronicle and Ricardo's Story

Ricardo's recount of his initial years in Cuba and the eventual escape to the United States during a turbulent political period is compelling. He begins his narrative in Cuba, reminiscing about simple yet profound childhood moments with friends, like eating mangoes in a tree - a revelation that mangoes are more than just a fruit but a symbol of nostalgia and childhood joy.

Ricardo shared:

"I came to this country from Cuba as a refugee when I was just about to turn 13 years old. It wasn't an easy transition, but I have been very fortunate to be adopted by this country and to make something meaningful of my life here."

Remembering to Forget, Remembering to Forgive

One of the most poignant parts of our conversation revolved around two critical themes in Ricardo's book: remembering to forget and remembering to forgive. It’s not just his personal philosophy but a universal lesson in dealing with past trauma.

Ricardo explained how, when he first arrived in the U.S., he had to selectively remember to forget the painful memories of his departure and the struggles his family faced. Yet, it was in this forgetting that he found the strength to build a new life. On the flip side, remembering to forgive was equally essential. Forgiveness wasn’t just a decision but a needed process to release bitterness.

"You will find that many people who leave the country as refugees always hear from their parents or whatever. They would say, when we go back, things will be better, but after a couple of years, you realize that you can’t go back."

The Journey Back Home

In 2009 and again in 2016, Ricardo returned to Cuba after decades away. These trips were more than just physical journeys back to his homeland; they were profound emotional experiences.

"The first time I went back, after more than 40 years, stepping off the plane and smelling the salty air, I felt like I was home. I started to cry. By 2016, I took my wife, daughters, and sons-in-law with me. We found my old house, and although it was a bittersweet experience, it was also enriching."

The Power of Stories

Throughout our conversation, it was evident that Ricardo’s life is a testament to the power of storytelling. From his