Sylvia Cruz escapes the rain through the backdoor of Connie's cafe early Friday morning.

Sylvia Cruz waits with her son, Camilo Velasquez, 12, for the bus to arrive early Friday morning in the stairwell of their apartment building.

Perperation for Connie's Deli begins in the early morning hours due to much of the mexican inspired cuisine being made from scratch. Sylvia Cruz begins her work day.

Sylvia Velasquez, whom later that day became Sylvia Cruz, waits on her children before heading to Auburn Correctional Facility to marry inmate Manuel Cruz.

Sylvia Cruz holds a photo of her and her new husband, Manuel Cruz, at their wedding at the Auburn Correctional Facility. Sylvia and Manuel were married Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010.

Manuel Cruz has currently served 25 years of a 33-year prison sentence. He was incarcer-ated at the age of 19 afrer accidentally murdering a clerk during a robbery. Ten years were add-ed to his sentence when he murdered a fellow inmate.

Life in Auburn has been a struggle for the family since their recent move. Sylvia Cruz waits in the doorway of Connie' Deli before beginning work.

Doug Buschman fills out the specials board as Sylvia Cruz, Connie Buschman, and Sam French, 19, begin the day at Connie's Deli. Connie, a native of Mexico, and Doug helped the family to get on their feet after a quick decision to move to Auburn. They supplied a place for the family to live before finding them an apartment, helped enroll the kids in school and provided employment.

Daniela Velasquez, holds a fifteenth birthday card made in prison by her new step-father, Manuel Cruz. Daniela's birthday is on Sunday Oct. 17, 2010. In Columbia a young woman's fifteenth birthday is usually marked by the cultural tradition of the Quinceanera. Daniela will have to wait a year before taking part in the tradition during a return trip to Columbia.

Daniela Velasquez, 14, and her mother, Sylvia Cruz surf the internet together at their home Friday evening.

Daniela Velasquez chats with her friend Daniel in Columbia. Daniela keeps close ties with her old friends.

Sylvia Cruz prepares for the day as her son, Camilo Velasquez, 12, waits for her.

Sylvia Perez and her son, Camilo Velasquez spend their Friday evening together at their apartment. They recently moved into the home, located a block from the Auburn Correctional Facility.

Daniela Valesquez, 14, gets ready for school as her mother, Sylvia Cruz rests before heading to work, Friday morning.

Manuel Cruz has currently served 25 years of a 33-year prison sentence. The newlyweds plan to expand their family while Manuel is still incarcerated. Sylvia Cruz and her son, Camilo Velasquez, 12, cross the street from Connie's Deli on the way to visit Manuel at the Auburn Correctional Facility.