Have you ever had to make a decision that would change your whole life?  When my oma was seventeen, she left Germany and came to America. She did not know the language or anyone who lived there, yet she was willing to risk everything. She wanted a better life so she courageously took the chance. She could only bring so much with her so she decided to bring a little piece of her old home with her. She brought her Black Forest Cuckoo clock. The clock depicts a scene from everyday life. It has four long chains that have pinecones hanging down from them which portray the feeling of actually being in the forest. To my oma, it showed that she had to work harder than others to get want she wanted because she was an immigrant. When I was little, I always wondered why my mom had this odd looking clock in the house. As I got older, my mom told me that her mom gave it to her. Eventually, I went to visit my oma so I asked her about what it was like when she lived in Germany. I was so fascinated by it, that she started teaching me a few words. As a result, every time my mom and I visit her, she makes us a special German dish. I appreciate everything that she has taught me about her culture because one day, I hope I can share something as important to my grandchildren. Every time I hear the “cuckoo, cuckoo” coming from the clock, I always think of her and how bold she must have been.

– Natalie Bomengo

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant