My object is called a handmade rug. It is mostly used in Bangladesh where me and my family originated from. This rug was actually made by my mom. It’s used for drying or cleaning your feet. People place these rugs in front of the bathroom and doors and other rooms. She spends her spare time to make these. I remember, when I was in first grade I came back from school, and I asked my mother “What are you going to do with all these rugs.” She answered that she will give it to all her sons and daughters. Then I asked her why do you have to do this much work. We will buy it. Then she smiled and told me that I am doing these so that you and all your siblings could hold my spirit. I didn’t know what that meant. Then I said I didn’t get that, but she said you will get it when you’re older. In 2011 I moved to U.S.A, before I packed all my stuff, the rug was in the closet. Then I bought this rug in America. However, in all these years I have never used the rug that my mom made. I felt like if the rug is faded or ruined, then all the hard work that my mom did to do these would also disappear. I also feel proud that I still have something that my mom gave me when I very young. I am glad that it’s just perfect it looks the way she handed it to me. Sometimes my tears would fall when I see this rug because I cannot see my mom but when I see this, it makes me think that I am with my mom and she is handing it to me. And now I know what spirit is. So I am glad to hold my mom's spirit.

– Bilkish Aktar

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant