Traveling from India, my father took very few items: several shirts, pants, the shoes he had on his feet and about fifty dollars. The most important item he took with him was an ancient camera that his father had bought on a trip to Germany. This camera allowed him to document his trip, beginning with pictures of his airplane seat and the view outside of the window. After he reached the United States, he continued to document his trip from  graduating college to getting his first job to finally returning back to India where he would meet my mother. This camera was found to be useful for my siblings and I because it has provided us with vivid details of his immigration story. As the pictures in the photo album progress, it is evident that my father adapted to American culture quickly with the many memories of joining in on American holidays. This camera served a purpose far beyond the ability to capture a moment, but rather a memento of home and the ability to keep memories forever.

– NB

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant