Ask Estwenley (aka Swenley, aka Sassy) Blanchard what his most celebrated and favorite holiday is besides his birthday, and his answer will be…

“Haitian Independence day,” announces Sassy.

And there you have it! Haitian Independence Day, a day that falls on January 1.

Chances are, you know or have heard of a self-proclaimed California, New York, Illinois or Wisconsin, etc. “transplant.” But, have you ever met a “Brazilian transplant?” Well, meet Rodchild “Tide” Blanchard.

If you ever run into Jacky Meremable, whether it’s for the first time or the 100th, and you ask him how he’s doing or what he thinks about his life at any point in the conversation, his response will most likely be, “I am grateful” every single time.