We say Happy Birthday to Barbara Jean Morehead who was born in Tucson, Arizona, on August 23, 1931. Most of us know her as Barbara Eden and “I Dream of Jeannie.” It was on the air for five seasons in the 1960s. What can happen when an astronaut finds a bottle with a pretty woman inside? Watch the show!
Well, I remember the show, but my story is more than that. Our family arrived in the U.S. in September 1964. My brother, sister, and I walked to school every day. My father had two jobs and my mother was at home helping out and keeping everyone in tune. Most of all, we were grateful for freedom, and our parents always kept us current on the situation in Cuba.
Our early days were pretty typical. Most Cubans share similar memories of growing up and watching our parents put everything on the line for their kids. They worked hard and we got to enjoy the new culture and the reality that most of our friends had never seen a Cuban not named Ricky Ricardo or Minnie Miñoso.