This is a photo of La Virgen Santisima del Cisne which is big part of my Ecuadorian heritage. This is photo gave my mom memories and love and motivation that she was going to make it to the United States. La Virgen Santisima del Cisne is a big part of my religion and ethnicity. This picture I have is similar to the one my mom brought from Ecuador. My mom was the first person in her family to cross the border into the United States. She first arrived in Chicago on September 28, 1995. She lived with her godmother for a while then moved to Minnesota which then eventually led her to meet my dad. This photo means a lot to my family both here and in Ecuador, it is a sign of hope and faith that we will always be happy and safe. It is also a personal way for me to communicate with my grandmother who passed away about a year and ½ ago. My grandmother was very dear to my heart and that photo reminds me that she is still here watching over me. 

– A.C.

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