I had always wanted to play an instrument when I was younger. I loved listening to music and I thought that it would be the best thing in the world if I could make my own music. My grandpa knew this, so he gave me his old guitar. Looking back, it is not a nice or fancy guitar, but when I saw that guitar I thought it was the best thing in the world. As soon as I started playing I knew I would continue. I loved the pure notes that rung every time I strummed the string, the feel of the polished guitar, and the smoothness of turning the tuning pegs. Soon after, I started taking lessons at Blue Tree. It was always my favorite part of the week. I would go to the lesson, and after I got home I would continue to play, just waiting for the next lesson, the next opportunity to further my skills. I ended up stopping after 2 years, feeling as if I would rather continue to practice by myself. I very recently got a new guitar, my grandpa’s is now too small for me. I handed his guitar down to my sister, and continue to play my new guitar to this day. Every time we visit my grandparents, I bring my guitar and I play new songs for them. They love this tradition, and it has helped me feel closer to them than I have in a long time. Though I don't use his guitar anymore, it helped create a bond between us that won't go away just because the guitar did.

– J.D.

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