In 1940-1941, my grandfather was fighting in the Battle of the Philippines. While stationed, he habitually sent my grandmother love letters, which she kept til now, 77 years. My grandfather passed away when my mother, the youngest child, was only two years old, leaving my grandmother to parent alone. With eleven children, fifteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, our matriarch is sacred, and so are her memories. My family uses these letters to help jog my grandmother's memory, as she approaches 98 years of age. She often recalls what it felt like to write and receive these letters when she knew my grandfather was in perilous conditions. This practice not only keeps her memory sharp, but it also preserves our culture and home language.

– Jade Berge

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