In my family, our South East Asian culture is a big part of our identity. I came to America with my mom from Bangladesh when I was four. We immigrated to the other side of the world because that was where my dad lived and he wanted his family to have more opportunities. All of my dad’s side of the family lives in the United States, but unfortunately most of my mother’s family remains Bangladesh. I was exceptionally close to all my maternal aunts and only seeing them once every few years is difficult. An object that connects me to my Asian roots is a blue patterned cloth blanket. It was made out of my late grandmother’s favorite dress because she wanted me to feel closer to her. She gave it to me when I was born. It was really soft and light because Bangladesh is very hot all year around. My grandma passed away when I was ten, but since she lived on the other side of the world I barely got the chance to see her. I use the blanket during family movie nights because it is the perfect size for me and my brother to huddle inside. It makes me feel truly connected to both my grandmother, who I had limited time with, and to my culture and family, who still remain in Asia. I wish I could visit much more often, but for now the blanket is all I have. 

– RM

Relationship:  Im/migrant who arrived as a child Im/migrant who arrived as a child