My father came to America to work and save enough money to go back to his girlfriend (my mother) in Colombia and start a family. Long distance relationships are hard; long distance relationships in the 80s were even harder. They wrote each other letters and spoke maybe once biweekly. He eventually saved up a bit and sent money to his parents to take my mother to the store to pick out an engagement ring for herself. This gift encouraged her to follow him to America. My mother holds the idea of marriage in high regards, so this ring is very dear to her. It means a lot to her that my father used the little bit of money he had to buy this for her, and make her a “respectable woman.” She has never gotten a replacement ring, because this one symbolizes more than any other ring could.

– Katherine Chemas

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