This is a bracelet given to me by my aunt, who lives in India. My parents immigrated to the US in their early 20s before I was born, but I grew up visiting India every 1-3 years. The majority of our family still lives in India, so it's always exciting to go back home. When we visit, most of the things that we bring back home are clothes, some food, and jewelry. Some new, some that we circulate/exchange with each other to rotate our selections. 
I have an uncle who makes jewelry. I never saw him without necklaces on, without his hands decorated with rings and bracelets and watches, each carefully selected. He believed that as a South Asian in America, the jewelry you wear is who you are, and that it was a protection to put on everyday.
My parents pull out clothes and jewelry from India when they feel homesick, or even open old suitcases to see if the smell of India is still lingering there. Having real objects from India, from the finger or wrist or neck or arm of someone that they care about is a powerful physical connection. It is something that I like to imagine when I miss my aunt, that the heat from her arm, from the sun on the days she wore it, is still there to protect me.

– Ashiya

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