Episode 1
THE MEDIA Windows Media (11.6 MB) | MP3 (11.5 MB)
In episode one of this series, we are introduced to the Cervantes family, a family representative of many others in the U.S. We start our story at a difficult time for Rafael, given he is unemployed, and it is uncertain if Luisa will be able to keep her job. Also, we begin to see the way their children are coping with being teenagers and the chasm that is starting to open between them and their parents.
Episode 2
BRIDGING THE GENERATIONAL GAP Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Grupo de Paz y Justicia offer financial assistance to the Cervantes family in an effort to help them start a business, but Rafael is reluctant to accept it. As a result of Miguel's reckless behavior, the family loses their only car, and still, he is hard pressed to accept his punishment. Rafael wants him to get a job to pay for the car, but Luisa convinces him to allow Miguel to continue with his studies and have him contribute more with the chores around the house. Gloria feels unjustly treated by her parents when more is expected of her, even though she always acts responsibly.
Episode 3
FAMILY EDUCATION: BOY OR GIRL Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Gloria has been accepted to the university and dreams of becoming the best student. Later, she feels torn because of her financial responsibilities toward her family. Her boyfriend demands to be given foremost priority over everything in her life, including her education. Rafael and Luisa argue and cannot agree on the differences between men and women in regards to their respective roles and responsibilities.
Episode 4
LOANS AND FINANCIAL MATTERS Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.5 MB)
Rafael and Luisa visit a bank to ask for a loan, but unfortunately, they are not only turned down, but treated disrespectfully. Luisa tells Rafael about the offer from Grupo Parroquial, but he is unwilling to owe money to them. Miguel is sent to the principal's office when he treats his teacher disrespectfully. Gloria tells Carlos, her boyfriend, that she has decided to go to college, whether he likes it or not.
Episode 5
HUMAN RIGHTS: WORKER'S RIGHTS Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.5 MB)
Luisa thinks Gloria is not going to be able to work and go to school at the same time, which worries her. Rafael makes an appointment with an employment agency. His desperate situation makes him accept the first job he is offered, even though the wages are low. Luisa is upset with him and says he is being taken advantage of.
Episode 6
COMMUNICATION WITH THE FAMILY Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
In this episode, we witness certain types of behavior from family members that affect their family life. Miguel appears to be getting involved with the "wrong crowd." However, he offers to help his mother in her new business venture. Everyday worries get in the way of communicating adequately. A telephone call from Grandma brings a few minutes of togetherness to their busy lives.
Episode 7
THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.5 MB)
In today's episode, we hear about four specific situations that affect the Cervantes family. Hectic work schedules put a strain on family and married life. Miguel receives low grades in school and tries to hide it from his parents, but fails. Gloria strives to be the best in her class. Rafael shares with his daughter the story about the struggles he and his wife had to endure for the sake of the children.
Episode 8
SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLATIONS OF WORKER'S RIGHTS Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.5 MB)
Today we hear about abuses: Osorio makes unsolicited sexual advances toward Luisa and Angelina ... the factory supervisor violates Rafael's rights as a worker. A man attempts to sexually assault Gloria. The Cervantes family becomes aware of these abuses and seeks to remedy them.
Episode 9
FAÇADES ARE DROPPED Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.5 MB)
A fire at school helps reveal some of our characters' personality traits. Miguel, the rebellious and worry-free youth, becomes a hero when he risks his life to rescue his teacher from the fire. Angelina searches for Rafael and Miguel, who were trapped in the fire. Loco risks his life to save Gloria. Loco and Gloria display their mutual attraction, and Grandma Dulce teaches us a lesson on life and death.
Episode 10
VIOLENCE: IS IT A SIGN OF OUR TIME? Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.5 MB)
In this episode, Miguel expresses his attraction for Angelina, who is distraught because the modeling agency turned out to be a fraud. Loco is willing to change his life around in order to please Gloria. She warns him against changing for that reason, rather, she says, "Do it because it is something you want to do for yourself." In a fit of jealousy, Carlos and Loco become violent with disastrous consequences.
Episode 11
VICTIM OF DEPRESSION Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.5 MB)
Several surprises await the Cervantes family today: Rafael is hospitalized after being injured trying to break up Carlos and Loco's fight. Why resort to violence? Why do innocent people, like Rafael, have to suffer? Who is responsible for this kind of violence? Gloria suffers from deep depression.
Episode 12
FOCUS ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.5 MB)
In spite of all that the Cervantes family is going through, Luisa realizes something about Loco she never considered before: He is re-enacting the violence he experienced at home from his parents. Gloria's depression continues, but she does not have the strength to seek help. With Angelina's help, she acknowledges her problem and sets out on the road to recovery.
Episode 13
JUVENILE DELIQUENCY: IN SEARCH OF ITS ROOTS Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Rafael's religious beliefs are being put to the test. He has managed to keep his feelings of revenge and ill will at bay. For Miguel, however, it has not been so easy. He seeks to repay violence with violence. Gloria is struggling to shake off her depression. Luisa and Rafael prepare to testify in Loco's defense.
Episode 14
DO NOT BE TAKEN IN Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Gloria sought help for her problem and happiness reigns again at the Cervantes' home. The pros and cons of becoming a U.S. citizen are discussed. Angelina has fallen prey to Osorio and is now pregnant with his child. She is faced with several choices, none of them easy.
Episode 15
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Angelina is falling into a trap. Her erratic behavior and choices in life are a reflection of the violent home environment she was brought up in. Rafael speaks out against the injustices perpetrated on his fellow factory workers. In spite of the differences in family support that each has received, Gloria and Angelina both graduate from high school.
Episode 16
IN DEFENSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS Windows Media (12.3 MB) | MP3 (12.1 MB)
Rafael does not speak to Luisa about their financial situation to avoid worrying her. Loco is facing some difficult challenges, which he is able to overcome thanks to Luisa's caring. Rafael faces serious problems at work and does not hesitate to join his co-workers in defense of their rights. Meanwhile, Carlos joins a commune.
Episode 17
TEENAGE MOTHERS Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Angelina accepts her pregnancy, however, both Osorio and her parents are against it. She moves in with the Cervantes family and for the first time experiences what it means to be part of a loving home. Rafael finally tells Luisa what he has been going through at the factory. Miguel travels to his parents' town. Miguel begins to notice some of the major cultural differences between his parents' country and the U.S., but the loving disposition of the people makes him feel at home.
Episode 18
WORKER'S RIGHTS Windows Media (12.1 MB) | MP3 (11.9 MB)
Rafael takes part in a demonstration against the abuses taking place at the factory and comes face to face with the manager. Angelina receives the support of the Cervantes family. Gloria is favorably impressed by Bill, her new co-worker. Josefina, a young lady, is trying to catch Miguel's attention. Miguel cannot understand Josefina's bizarre behavior.
Episode 19
OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS AIDS Windows Media (12.4 MB) | MP3 (12.2 MB)
Angelina considers having an abortion as an option. Mrs. Sánchez falls ill. Luisa recommends an AIDS test. Rafael is fired from his job for unruly behavior. Luisa counsels Angelina by telling her to face up to her reality, act responsibly and come to terms with becoming a mother. Meanwhile, Miguel is enjoying his stay in the land of his ancestors.
Episode 20
TEENAGE PREGNANCY Windows Media (12.1 MB) | MP3 (11.9 MB)
Angelina is asked to consider the idea of giving her baby up for adoption, which she immediately dismisses. She is not interested in having any contact with the baby's father or collecting from him the child support she is entitled to. Racial tensions arise between Loco and Barry. Luisa goes with Mrs. Sánchez to pick up the results from her HIV test, which are negative. Miguel and Dulce arrive in the U.S.
Episode 21
WE ARE A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Dulce arrives in the U.S. This is a joyous moment for the entire family. It is also a realization of the hardships thousands of people must endure when they immigrate to a new country, either because they are fleeing from political persecution or are trying to secure a better future for their children.
Episode 22
WORKING FOR THE FUTURE Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Miguel blames Angelina for her pregnancy. He lectures her by saying she is reaping what she sowed. Barry sees the world through Loco's eyes and experiences the problems Latinos face every day. Loco also puts himself in Barry's place. They both learn a valuable lesson. They learn to respect and appreciate each other. Rafael gets a new job. Gloria is a strong candidate for winning a college scholarship.
Episode 23
CHARACTER FORMING Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Something potentially serious is happening to Miguel: He has been watching too much television and abusing alcohol as an escape from the problems he faces in life. Luisa blames herself for what is happening to her son and wonders where she might have gone wrong. She needs the love and support of her family. Rafael tries to reach out to his son and start a dialogue, but Miguel is not open to it. In spite of all this, a door has been opened for the family to come together.
Episode 24
PRENATAL CARE Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Rumor has it that Angelina's dad is not her biological father. Luisa shares the story of her life with her children. Loco escorts his cousin Angelina to her prenatal classes. Osorio assures Angelina he will help her with the baby, but it turns out to be all lies. Miguel continues to see in alcohol a refuge from reality. Luisa and Dulce share their child rearing stories with Angelina.
Episode 25
ALCOHOLISM WITHIN THE FAMILY Windows Media (12.4 MB) | MP3 (12.1 MB)
Miguel is becoming dangerously withdrawn from his family and is entering a dangerous alcoholic fantasy world. His family is unable to help him and feels helpless because Miguel insists he does not need anybody. Once he acknowledges he has a drinking problem, he begins to value his family and friends, thus setting out on the road to recovery.
Episode 26
LOOKING FOR A JOB Windows Media (12.4 MB) | MP3 (12.1 MB)
Rafael is looking for a job, but shows up for the interview unprepared. He realizes the importance of being able to speak English. Eventually, he is given the job due to his good nature and desire to help others. Tensions between Miguel and his father are unabated. Loco attempts to mediate.
Episode 27
ART: WAY TO KNOW THYSELF Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Loco has been offered to paint a mural. His work has been well received and has even impressed some people at the university. This sense of accomplishment makes him feel better about himself. He has all the while offered Angelina his support to help her through this difficult time in her life. Rafael has an opportunity to deepen his involvement with the community. Gloria, on the other hand, is confused about her feelings for Loco and Bill.
Episode 28
WOMEN IN THE LATINO COMMUNITY Windows Media (12.4 MB) | MP3 (12.2 MB)
Angelina tries to point out to her mother the ways they are both being victimized by her father. They blame each other for their problems, but eventually acknowledge their own guilt and reconcile. Miguel goes to work for Madeline, who has ulterior motives for hiring him. Luisa and Loco are robbed at gunpoint of the money set aside for Dulce's surgery.
Episode 29
OUR SON MOVES OUT Windows Media (12.1 MB) | MP3 (11.1 MB)
Madeline manipulates Miguel by offering him a place to stay. Differences between Miguel and his father deepen; he announces he can no longer stand living at home and has decided to move out. Luisa blames herself. There is a positive development for Grandma Dulce when a doctor offers to perform the surgery free of charge. Rafael's goals to help the community's children are becoming a reality.
Episode 30
DATING IN THE LATINO COMMUNITY Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Dulce undergoes eye surgery; she is now able to clearly see the faces of those close to her whose generous hearts she has seen all along. Loco is jumped by gang members but manages to keep control of himself. Angelina and Loco see in the Cervantes the family they never had. Gloria turns down Bill's invitation to spend the weekend together because it goes against her principles. Miguel tries to reconcile with his family.
Episode 31
DO YOU BELIEVE IN POLITICS? Windows Media (12.8 MB) | MP3 (12.6 MB)
Miguel returns home after having shaken off Madeline's influence. He tells Rafael that Madeline is the one who has been stealing money from the church and a solution is found for that problem. Loco and Gloria start a community food gardening project in which many people take part. Luisa is willing to become a U.S. citizen and studies for the exam. Gloria receives a scholarship for college.
Episode 32
BILINGUAL AND BICULTURAL Windows Media (11.7 MB) | MP3 (11.5 MB)
Rafael is appointed administrator of the community health center. Dulce gets lost in the city and cannot ask for directions to get back home because she does not speak English. She feels she has become a burden to her family and considers going back to her hometown. Luisa passes the citizenship exam, yet she feels proud of her Latino origins.
Episode 33
THE MEETING OF TWO CULTURES Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
In spite of Dulce's love for her family, she decides to go back to her country. She misses her hometown, the people and the lifestyle. Besides, she is having a hard time adapting to the changes of living in the U.S. Angelina continues to have nightmares about the way her father abuses her mother. Miguel enjoys his new job.
Episode 34
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
In spite of Angelina's pleas, her mother refuses to report her husband's physical abuse to the police. Angelina remembers the violence she suffered at the hands of her father when she was a child and cannot bring herself to forgive him. Meanwhile, Miguel is doing well at work but has lost interest in school. Miguel tries to convince his mother to allow Dulce to go back to her hometown.
Episode 35
THE MIRACLE OF LIFE Windows Media (12.4 MB) | MP3 (12.2 MB)
Angelina is in labor. The unconditional support of the Cervantes family helps her overcome the fear of possible complications during the delivery of her premature baby. Rafael drives her to the hospital and stays by her side until she gives birth to a beautiful baby boy who she names José David Díaz. The entire Cervantes family joins Angelina in the celebration of the miracle of life.
Episode 36
BEING RAISED BY A SINGLE MOTHER Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Angelina is in a state of bliss over her newborn, José David, but is worried he will grow up without a father. The fact they occupy Dulce's old room is significant. Dulce assures her she is not alone. She can count on the support of everyone in the Cervantes family to help her raise her son.
Episode 37
WORKING FOR THE FUTURE Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Gloria wants to be the best at whatever she does, but is undecided as to which field of study she is more likely to see her dreams come true. Miguel decides to go back to school. There is happiness in the Cervantes home. However, the relationship between Rafael and Luisa is suffering. Is it because they are too busy with work, or is it something worse? It is clear to both they have to work on their problems.
Episode 38
KEEPING MARRIAGE ALIVE Windows Media (11.9 MB) | MP3 (11.7 MB)
Faced with the danger of having their marriage fall apart, Luisa and Rafael take part in a Marriage Encounter sponsored by the church. This helps them rekindle their love and renew their vows. It is official: Gloria and Loco are boyfriend and girlfriend, a fact Rafael is not too happy about.
Episode 39
BAPTISM Windows Media (11.7 MB) | MP3 (11.5 MB)
As baby José grows, the subject of baptism is addressed. Angelina wants Rafael and Luisa to be Godparents to her son but is afraid the priest will send her away when he learns she is a single mother. The priest reassures her by telling her it is the right of every person to be baptized, however, both the mother and the godparents must be prepared and fully understand their responsibilities. It looks like Angelina is going to get a job. Miguel is elected class president.
Episode 40
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND TEENAGE CHILDREN Windows Media (11.9 MB) | MP3 (11.7 MB)
While out on a pilgrimage, the Cervantes family gets stranded in the middle of nowhere. Gloria, Luisa, Rafael and Miguel turn their predicament into an opportunity to learn more about each other, thus, achieving a deeper understanding as a family. It is a joyous turn of events, worthy of celebration. It also fulfills the objective they set out to achieve on this pilgrimage.
Episode 41
DEATH: A DOORWAY TO ETERNAL LIFE Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Dulce has died. Her passing is a blow to the Cervantes family who are left with terrible feelings of loss and emptiness, yet they are also left with the memory of her loving nature and with a deeper respect for life. The fact is she continues to live in the minds and hearts of all who loved her. Dulce sees death as the end of one life and the beginning of another. She sowed good seed, which already bear fruit, and now begins to travel the road that will reunite her with Chepe, her husband.
Episode 42
OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD DEATH Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Luisa feels guilty over the death of her mother; she thinks Dulce would be alive today if she had done something to help her. The whole family finds solace through prayer. They set up an altar in her memory. Everyone remembers her with love and soon discover she is still with them in spirit.
Episode 43
RENEWAL OF VOWS Windows Media (12.6 MB) | MP3 (12.4 MB)
Everyone in the family, as well as some members of the community, join the festivities in celebrations of Rafael and Luisa's anniversary. They all share in the happiness they have achieved through an unending commitment to each other and to the community. They have found the strength in their union to overcome all of life's adversities. In the midst of all this happiness some new challenges appear in the distance, which will require their attention … it is all a part of life.
