When my mom was 15 years old in 1996, her dream birthday gift was a cobertor (coverlet) San Marcos. She was 1 of 4 children, and had a single mother. As a result, she was no stranger to "hand me downs". My grandmother would sacrifice her wellbeing, missing meals to provide for  her children.
15 years later, my grandma was able to buy my mom her cobertor. The cobertor represented strength and optimism, it was through my grandma's efforts and dedication, that my mom had something of her own.
3 years later, my mom decided to immigrate to the U.S. Her motivation? More opportunities to provide for her family. Her departure was during an unexpected time, and my grandma spent hours by the phone in hopes to hear from her daughter. She could only imagine the worst. 
After a month of waiting, my mom contacted my grandma and told her she made it to the other side. Walking through NYC, she saw a man selling San Marcos cobertores. She was determined to be able to afford one in the U.S, and she managed to do so with her own money.
The cobertores  originated in Mexico, and the first person to give her one, was the light of her life, her mother. Having her own cobertor after immigrating was evidently a reminder of her roots. It was a feeling of comfort, like a hug from her mom every night that she missed so dearly.
It has become a tradition to pass down these cobertores through generations in Mexico and when I came to the U.S that is the first thing my mom gifted me. I plan to do the same.  

– Adylen Hernandez

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