The year 1996 was the year my parents married and began to chase their dream of leaving Cairo, Egypt to start a new life in America. Out of both families, my grandma was the most affected by this decision. She couldn’t bear the fact that her daughter was leaving their homeland. This ring, along with other Egyptian gold pieces, was given from my grandpa to my grandma. The day my mother left, my grandma gave my mother a few of the pieces from the collection to keep as a memory of her and my grandpa, who didn’t live to see his daughter marry. My mother chose this ring to wear, and she gave it to me for my 18th birthday. It has a very traditional design, reminding me of the jewelry shops in Egypt. It is also very similar to the ring my grandma always wears. This ring makes me feel like I’m home and connected to my roots, specifically to my mother and grandmother. Most importantly, it symbolizes my mother’s journey and dreams. With it on, I feel that I can accomplish my hopes, and my dreams too.

– Sara Ammar

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