We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddie Pimentel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maddie, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Do not squander time for that’s the stuff life is made of.” — Benjamin Franklin.

We are all given a limited amount of time here on earth to live our lives in the most authentic way, make our mark on the world, and do good things for others. Each day is a priceless gift. I’ve always been grateful for the time I have to share with friends and family but fifteen years ago, it became real for me when I faced a health scare and the possibility of not being able to live a healthy and active life and to raise my daughter.

In 2007, I was blessed to receive the gift of life, a kidney transplant from my amazing brother, Robb Osaba. From that moment on, I have treasured each and every day. My family took care of me then and has been the one constant in my life. To honor them, I wanted to give them something so special that it could not come from a store. It had to come from my heart.

Writing has always been a passion for me and having a journalism degree, I knew that documenting our family’s stories would be the gift that would mean the most. After years of research and writing our stories, I finally had the opportunity to share them with the world earlier this year when my memoir, Ocean of Stars and Dreams, was released. It follows my family’s history from the 1930s in Cuba to the present day in the United States.

We all have stories to tell. Make the time to share your story. This is the most meaningful gift we can pass down to future generations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always loved writing and for many years had dreamed of sharing my family’s stories. Our family’s immigrant journey from Cuba to America is similar to that of so many others from countries around the world, and although the details are vastly different, they are what make these stories incredibly interesting.

Whether we come to the United States looking for an opportunity to succeed on our own terms, to escape oppression, or for a myriad of other reasons, this is still the best nation in the world to work hard and turn your dreams into reality.

Of the many things I learned during the research and writing of my book, one of the most valuable things is the tremendous importance of preserving our family’s stories and our heritage. I encourage everyone to share their story with future generations. It’s an incomparable gift.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is truly an international city with so much to see and do. It’s not an easy task to narrow down some of my favorite things to share with my friends when they visit me. I’d have to start by seeing if there are any concerts or events they would like. If so, we would get tickets and enjoy a fun evening together. I love music and have been playing the piano since I was five years old. Live music is everything!

For some touristy fun, we would head to the World of Coke, the spectacular Georgia Aquarium, and Centennial Park. For dinner, we would make reservations at the Sundial Restaurant at the top of the Peachtree Plaza Hotel for the best view in the city. I’m a big Atlanta Braves fan so if they are playing at home, we would enjoy some Cuban cuisine at El Super Pan Latino Kitchen and Bar at the Battery before walking over to Truist Park. This is such a fun experience! I’d also love to spend an afternoon strolling around the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, taking in all of its splendor.

One or two of the nights, we would spend Glamping at Lake Lanier. It’s an awesome experience for those of us that want to go “camping” in the woods but feel like we are in a cabin with a lake-front view.

Some of the old-school restaurants we’d go to are Mary Mac’s Tea Room for authentic Southern cuisine, Old Hickory House for my favorite barbeque in the city, and the Vortex for juicy burgers and fries. For the last night, I would take them to Rumi’s Kitchen at Avalon for the best Persian seasoned jeweled rice and jumbo prawns.

Finally, I would hope that when my friends leave, they take with them my love for all that Atlanta has to offer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to my parents, Loida and Roberto Osaba, that gave me the gift of this beautiful story. They overcame many obstacles to leave communist Cuba and start their lives over in the United States at the age of 22 and 27.

Their unrelenting love of family and perseverance to do whatever was necessary to succeed modeled for my brother, Robb, and my sister, Suzette, and me that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

My father passed away a few months ago, on March 27th of this year but his spirit lives on in me and in those that loved him. I miss him every day but know he is proud of me and of the amazing story he and my mother gave me to share with the world

Website: https://madaymartinezdeosaba.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madaymartinezdeosaba/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddiepimentel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madaymartinezdeosaba/

Image Credits
Portrait Creations (only the professional image). Maddie Pimentel for all of the other images

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