This watch is one of my dad’s most prized possessions. It was the last item given to him by his dad, my grandfather. My grandfather’s main hobby was jewelry making and he found joy in creating pieces for his family to wear; the pieces not given to his family earned him a sizable profit at the local markets. He planned to use the money he made from his side business to buy plane tickets for him and my dad. Unfortunately, around the time that my father had to leave for the U.S. for a job opportunity, my grandfather did not have enough for his own plane ticket so my dad was forced to leave alone. Before my dad left Guyana in 1973, he was imparted with the watch that grandfather made. 

While my father started his new life in the U.S., grandfather died of a heart attack before he was able to come here himself. As of today, his watch is still the only thing that my dad has left of his father. Although my grandfather never got to physically see the amazing life that my dad has created for himself and his family, this watch makes it easier to imagine that he is somehow still here, watching over all that we have accomplished. This watch symbolizes not only grandfather’s sacrifices but my dad’s as well. It will continue to encompass my grandfather’s story, my dad’s story, and eventually my story.

– Melissa

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