My parents are both Angolan and got married when my Mom was 20 and Dad was 31.  The age difference wasn't apparent while I was growing up, but now I can see it. Both of my parents lost their fathers at an early age and their mothers sent them to be raised by a family member. I don't know much about their courtship, but I do know that my Mom was serious with one other guy before my Dad. When they got married, my Dad was very successful and they had a huge 3 day wedding extravaganza.  They settled down in Zaire and had 4 children before moving to the US as political refugees.

My Dad is your typical stoic, African man. He is very hard to read and I think that has always bugged my Mom. He was involved in politics in Angola and that has always been his true passion. I know I get my OCD from my him. He was in the military and is very particular about things. His closet and side of the room were always organized when we growing up. I was a Daddy's girl growing up and my siblings said I was his favorite.

Mom is your typical African mother. She like to cook and entertain and I think I get my creative side from her. She also has a thing for shoes and handbags that I may have inherited also. I always felt like my Mom favored my older brother more.We have a complicated relationship and I don't see that changing anytime soon...

Both of my parents are fluent in English, French, Portuguese, Lingala, and a few other dialects that they don't speak around us. They currently reside in TX, and my Dad is retired. I've only known my parents as a married couple, but I can say that they have shown me that long term marriages have their ebbs and flows. Some years are harder than others, but if you stay together, you can overcome everything.