Around 1997 in Mexico City, my father's grandma was introduced to my mother. After a while, she felt a strong connection between then gave both a 12x10in frame with the image of the Virgin Mary. (Also known as La Rosa de Guadalupe) She then took them to church to bless the image with holy water. The Virgin Mary is a Saint to Catholics, which is what my family believes and culture runs through. My parents decided to immigrate to the United States because after my mother's father immigrated and my mom gave birth to my older sister in 1999. She felt it would be a better environment and location to raise my sister. She read and heard about the great opportunities students are given here at schools and in general with health help. When my parents brought the frame with them in 2001, they found a Catholic Church in which they were able to speak to the father and bless them and the Virgin Mary for everything they have. Both the image and my parents have marked a cross with holy water. Since this image has been around my home for longer than I've been around, I have a strong connection with the person on the image itself for the fact that my family culture believes in her and her image or simply praying to her helps me reassure. 
 

– J

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