This necklace has a very strong meaning to me because it was given to me by my mother. The necklace was given to my mom by her mother (my grandma). In 2000, my mom immigrated to the U.S from El Salvador. My grandma and my mom had a really close “Mother-daughter” relationship. So, this necklace represented their close relationship before she moved away. However, my mom and I had a difficult time getting along ever since my parents separated when I was four. When they seperated, I ended up living with my mom, and I still am. The reason for the separation gave my mom a hard time that she didn’t know how to bond with me. Both, my mom and I had to decide to do one of two things, number one being getting closer and number two being distant. As a result, we distanced from each other, but I don’t think it was intentional. I was four, I wasn’t going to understand what was going on at that age. Three years ago on Christmas, my mom gave the necklace to me. Then, to me that symbolized a new beginning, and after all I was right, my mom and I don’t argue constantly anymore and we can have the trust I need to feel safe with her. I hope as more time goes by, the better our bond will be.

– Kelly H.

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