After waiting patiently for the last 6 months, I am proud to say that Sydmil has finally been approved for his permanent residency and will begin working as a technical engineer for Merrick Systems beginning October 19th! When Syd made the decision to retire from basketball and start a new career here, we were under the impression that he would begin working in June.. yeah right. Our adviser told us that Syd's paperwork would be processed in 6 weeks and he would be authorized to work immediately thereafter; clearly we were misinformed. Let me start off by saying, I am glad I am an American because reading immigration forms are like reading Chinese! After 3 hours of filling our forms, searching for birth certificates, documenting our relationship and last but not least, waking up at 5:45am and driving to the Homeland Security Office for a 10 minute interview, Syd now is the proud holder of a green card!

I am so lucky to have such a kind and patient husband who never complained once through the whole process. Being on vacation is fun for a month, maybe two but not being able to work for the past 6 months has been hard for Syd. Quitting pro. basketball was bitter sweet, I think that he misses the competition and living in Europe but we know that it's best for Sofia to be in a permanent location. Syd is really excited about his new job and the opportunity he has been given. I know that not being able to work was hard for him but it's has also been a blessing in disguise.

Being in Texas for the past 6 months has been great and having my amazing husband around all the time has been wonderful! I think Sofia has benefited most from the situation because she has her daddy around. Sofia and Syd are best friends and she is the epitome of a Daddy's girl. Every day, they play together, dance to MJ and explore; he is a precious father. When Syd started training from 9-5 a month ago, Sofia was heartbroken.The first day he left, she sat and cried as he walked out the door. It broke his heart and I know it was tough for her but she has adjusted to his new schedule. We are lucky enough to have had this vacation time together and are proud that Syd can enter the corporate world.

Living in Europe was incredible but there's no place like home.