An elephant represents loyalty, unity & wisdom- all of these traits describe my great-grandmother, Norma. She served in the USCG during WWII. Due to her service she received the quilt of valor at 97 years old. She was a powerful and stubborn woman who inspired me to do what I love. The reason I chose the elephant statue is due to her love for elephants. Like an elephant, she was smart and gentle, and always saw the good in people. She also loved attention. Norma lived in California but she came home to Massachusetts for the summer every year. She was a very social woman, always meeting new people wherever she went. Norma was the glue of our family. Her service in WWII & the way she lived her life afterwards inspired me to be a confident, powerful young woman who doesn’t let others hold her back. She travelled around the world and lived a life she loved. From her, I learned the importance of living life to the fullest. One piece of her advice I will always remember is to never leave the house without looking presentable. She told me to always wear mascara & lipstick, and said “If you don't think you look good enough to bump into someone, then look better.” whenever I look at my elephant statue I know she is always with me, and I remember the lessons she taught me, the stories she told, and the memories we made together. The statue may be just a figure, but it’s full of many memories and stories that connect our family together as we remember Norma and all she has done for us. 

– AC

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more