This 50 pesos bill is one of my most valued possessions. In 2021, I was with my sister at the Guadalajara International Airport. I was trying not to cry as I said goodbye to her. She told me to take care and to do my best even though life away from my family can be difficult. In those moments, she gave me the safety and motivation to keep going. After this, worried about missing my flight,  I rushed to give all my leftover pesos to my sister since I would not need them in the United States. Already in the TSA line, I realized I still had 50 pesos in my wallet and held it up for my sister to see, but she waved me off as I could not go back to her due to all the people behind me. After losing sight of my sister, I swore I would keep the bill in my wallet and give it to her the next time I saw her. I thought of it as a nice detail and a funny thing to do. She passed away the next month. I did not go to her funeral. Instead, I decided to stay with my mom, as she could not travel to Mexico due to her immigration status. I have kept the same bill in my wallet for the past three years. Worn out by the tucking and pulling of other bills. The crease in the middle, greatly accentuated by being folded in half. The bill now transcends its nominal value. It is a representation of my sister. I carry it with me wherever I go, and, when I think about it, it gives me a feeling of comfort in tough times. As a memory of her enshrined in plastic, these 50 pesos are invaluable. 

– Alexis D. Sanchez

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant