When my mom immigrated from El Salvador to the United States, she barely brought anything in her backpack. She brought a canteen, some clothing, and an elephant statue. Elephants have always been significant to my family as symbolic of their strength to overcome, be mighty, and powerful like an elephant. She received the statue from my grandparents before she departed to seek a new life. She held onto it for dear life because she loved it so much. That was one of the only belongings she had when she first arrived in New York. Ever since the statue has always been somewhere, where it can be visible by everyone. It has been there through family gatherings, birthday parties, getting ready for weddings, and graduation pictures. It's always been there in the background and definitely has so much meaning, not only to my mother but our entire family. Almost in every single one of the houses of my family, you will find an elephant statue somewhere.

– Eric

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