Cranking that stiff old handle serves as a reminder that traditions give purpose. (this one to give us an arm workout). Taking almost an hour to make one small batch of ice cream, our old fashioned ice cream maker is the sole purpose everyone in my family shows up to the Fourth of July party. Everyone takes turns to crank the handle, one turn at a time until it becomes a delicious lemon raspberry, or just plain vanilla. Calling over uncles, aunts, and cousins to turn the handle, bringing everyone together, sharing the creamy taste of a lemon raspberry ice cream. That ice cream maker will always be a reminder to me and my family that our history is still in the making, and will continue to be. Those little moments, like sitting on a cooler, in a garage cranking the handle of an ice cream maker will continue to make my family who we are. This tradition is extra special to me because my parents moved from Utah to Las Vegas when I was four months old. Visiting the rest of my family confirms how different I would be if we didn't move to Las Vegas. I am grateful we did move. I am grateful for the eight hour drive we make every July to be there for that tradition. Those small moments, like cranking an ice cream machine, are just enough for me to be thankful for how far my family has come, and how far those little traditions come too. I am grateful for the life I have, and I am grateful that I am able to sacrifice my arm for delicious ice cream every Fourth of July.

– Claire Despain

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more