My great grandfather immigrated alone to the United States from Germany between World Wars when he was just 14 years old. He settled in Brooklyn with his aunt and immediately went to work at his uncle’s bakery. It was there that he learned how to bake our family’s famous German chocolate cake, which he would later pass down to his daughter-in-law (my grandmother). He soon married my great grandmother, who became his partner in crime. They opened a bakery, worked at a war plant, and ran a boarding house together. My great grandfather’s multifaceted set of interests and skills have been passed down several generations. He was a kind, family-oriented, and hard-working individual; no job was below him. I can see these traits not only in my father and grandfather, but also in myself. 
This cake really does taste as good as it looks. I have tried several other similar recipes, but none can compare to when my grandmother makes it. I recently went the grocery store, bought all the ingredients for the German chocolate cake, and then made it myself. The smell of the rich chocolate mix and licking the creamy whipped icing off the beaters brought fond memories of family to my mind. Although I am not with them during these difficult times, I still feel connected to my relatives from several miles away. Not only is its emotional value insurmountable, but each bite reminds me of the difficulties my great grandfather faced coming to the United States. 
 

– Vienna .

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