When I was born, I was gifted a gold earring, and a gold necklace as a gift from both of my grandmothers. As soon as I got it, my mom put it on me, and for many years, I never took them off. Years later, I remember the big deal it was for me when my mom said I needed to take my earring off because I was getting older and it was not fitting anymore. For years, I realized how much my family cared about our family jewelry, and the meanings for each piece. My mom has always liked her golden and shining rings, necklaces and earrings, and would never take them off. When my grandmother died, I got to keep one of the rings she used, and I still have it stored it together with other jewelry. These jewelry pieces can mean so many different things to our family, but for me, it means that regardless of the years passing, we will still have that piece that was given to us and we plan on giving it forward to our kids. Recently I turned 18 years old, and back in Brazil, when we turn 18 we become legally adults and many of us get our drivers license. As a gift for celebrating my next big step, my mom gifted me a gold ring, and I hope to keep it for years, until I am able to give it to my children.

– MF

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant