Past

                 America is an incredibly diverse land.  Our nation is made up from people from all over the world. My dad's immediate family is primarily from Spain. My dad wasn't from the United States. My mom’s side, while most of her immediate family is out of North Carolina, her family's roots can be traced to England. 

My dad, Peter Fernandez was born in San Turce, Puerto Rico along with his brother and sister. My dad’s dad was born in Pola de Allande, Spain. My dad’s mom was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. My Great grandmother (his dads side) was born in El Maso, Spain. My great grandfather was born in Pola de Allande, Spain. My Great grandmother (his moms side) was born in Puerto Rico. My Great Grandfather was born in Ferroil Spain. In 1966 my dad, his sister, and his brother and parents left Puerto Rico and came to the US. My dad and his father lived in New Orleans for 17 years, until 1983. In 1983 only my dad and his father came to Maryland. A year later my dad’s mom, sister and brother came to Maryland. In Pollo de Allande however, if you mention the name Fernandez people will know who your talking about. For example, when my Grandparents when to visit Spain this summer, everyone knew in advance they were coming. They all referred to my grandfather as the "Son of Amadeo" who was my great grandfather. Pollo de Allande's population is estimated at around 1,000 people. When my grandfather was growing up it was around 500. 

        My mom, Joan Fernandez was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina at Albemarle Hospital. She lives with me and my Dad in Bel Air, Maryland. My mom’s mom was born in Philadelphia and my mom’s dad was born in Hertford, North Carolina. My mom’s grandparents (her mothers side) were both born in Little Washington, North Carolina. My mom’s other grandmother (her fathers side) was born in New Hope, North Carolina. My mom’s grandfather was born in Hertford, North Carolina. However, Hertford, being such a small town, if you mention the name White everyone automatically knows whom your talking about. To illustrate how big my family is in North Carolina, my great grandfather had 18 brothers and sisters. That is a large family for a town whose population is barely over 2000 people. As far as we know, none of my mother’s family ever left the country.