How incredibly lucky some are to have found their partner close to home. Or even if there were to be long distance, that they are in the same country as they are. Paco and I met on an anime fanbase cellphone application, without having the slightest hint of each other’s location. One day in July of 2019, we struck up a conversation about our recent watches and funny inputs which led us never to go another day without speaking to each other. In the beginning we saw each other as nothing more than friends but through hours, days, weeks, and months of interactions it was hard not to grow closer. Part of getting to know each other more, of course, is where we live and where we grew up. I found out that Paco was from Chiapas, a state deep in the southern part of Mexico bordering Guatemala. While he found out I was from South Carolina, just over two thousand miles away. To some, finding out the distance between you and someone you have grown incredibly fond of can be upsetting. You feel every single one of those miles between you. Yet, we made the best of what was available to us. Text messages, voice messages, video messages, audio calls, video calls, even snail mail letters! We did everything in our power to close the lingering gap between us and fell more and more in love with each other by the minute. Not physically, but emotionally, mentally, and intellectually.
Paco and I concluded that we had no choice but to pursue our relationship, but what did that mean for two people so far away from each other? We decided to take the leap and file for the K-1 Visa, also known as the Fiancé Visa. Yes, just like the trashy reality television show on TLC 90 Day Fiancé just without the drama and fluffed up story lines. We filed our petition in October of 2022 after complying with all of the requirements. Hundreds of pages compiled of evidence showing our relationship, an in-person meeting including photographs as proof, filled out forms of each other’s personal information and family information, financial statements, affidavits from close acquaintances, and so much more. It is a grueling process, that truly tests every aspect of your relationship. It is not for the faint of heart, or for a relationship not divinely arranged. After that initial petition submission we heard nothing until February of 2024 when we were told Paco had been approved for the second phase. This consisted of a medical exam, documentation review appointment, and interview. He passed with flying colors. Paco had his visa in hand in March of 2024 and was on a flight to South Carolina on April 5th, 2024.
Yet, our dealings with immigration don’t end there. Once married for three months we submitted a petition for Paco to receive permission to work and knew within the following year we would be applying for his permanent residency. Unfortunately, our journey was not allotted the time to see these processes through. Paco passed away October 1st of 2024. After his passing I received correspondence from USCIS stating that Paco was scheduled for an interview for his work visa. I mournfully made copies of his death certificate and obituary and mailed them to the interview site. Then, just last week I received Paco’s scheduled interview appointment for his permanent residency. A year after his death I sat in my car crying holding this piece of paper that we worked so incredibly hard for. A piece of paper that took years in the making. A piece of paper that meant we were that much closer to having that forever we dreamed of. Having this delivered even after informing USCIS of my husband’s passing seemed like a cruel joke, just to bring back all those heartbreaking memories. Or maybe this was a sign that our hard work paid off and to be proud of myself. Either way the pain wasn’t any less.
About Shanna Puckett-Anguiano
Shanna Puckett-Anguiano lost her husband after just four short months of marriage on October 1st, 2024. Shanna and Paco Anguiano were in a long-distance relationship for nearly four years prior to their marriage, as Paco was from Chiapas, Mexico. Shanna and Paco did not let the stigmas and hardships of the K1 visa come between their strong bonds. Anyone who truly knew this couple would quickly correct anyone’s doubt, with even Shanna’s father expressing his thoughts at Paco’s funeral saying, “every father’s wish is for their daughter is to find a man who loves them unconditionally, and that is exactly the man Paco was.” Paco was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma on September 20th, 2024, which coincidentally was also Shanna’s 30th birthday. Paco lost his life unexpectedly to that cancer 11 days later, a week before treatment was scheduled to begin.
Shanna continues to reside in her small hometown, located in the upstate of South Carolina. She is accompanied at home by her two dogs (Indi & Suki) and two cats (Es & Sister). Shanna has been a court reporter for the past 5 years and serves as chairperson of children’s ministry at her home church. She is currently in the process of obtaining additional certifications to continue moving up in her career. Shanna has developed a donation drive in her husband’s name in celebration of his birthday in the month of July called Paco’s Smile. This drive collects material and monetary donations for her local county cancer association. Shanna is an advocate for mental health, cancer awareness, and over all kindness being spread throughout the world. She prays to carry on the legacy of her husband, Jose Francisco Ovando Anguiano, by showing grace, gratitude, and a toothy grin just as he did every day.