When I was four years old, my parents made the decision to leave Australia and move to the United States. Before leaving, my mother's parents-my Lolo and Lola-both gifted my brother and me with rings. My Lola had received hers during her young adult years spent in the Philippines, before she migrated to Australia with her husband and kids, starting a new life.

When thinking back, I usually feel neutral about my parents' decision. What life could I imagine besides the course I'm already on? Of course, I don't have many memories from the time I lived in Sydney, but the connection I feel with my birthplace seems to grow stronger as I spend more time away. I miss my family there. My Lolo and Lola, aunts and uncles, all of my cousins, and more "cousins". The sense of community I feel, even from across the world, makes me nostalgic for a life I don't remember. It makes me wonder how my life would have been if I had stayed, especially while comparing the thoughts to my family life now, as I have far less relatives in the US and less of an emphasis on tradition and family connection.
I'm extremely grateful for an object to save and keep as a memory of my family I have in Australia. It's cliché, but I enjoy the notion that a ring symbolizes infinity as it has no beginning or end. I'll continue to reminisce on and maybe even mourn my could-have-been Australian life but am reminded with my Lola's ring that their love and connection reaches me from across the world. 

– AF

Relationship:  Im/migrant who arrived as a child Im/migrant who arrived as a child