My grandmother, Mamita, was raised in France during World War II when Nazis occupied the country. At 17, she witnessed the liberation of France by American forces. This moment profoundly shaped her generation, instilling a deep gratitude and affection for the Americans who had sacrificed so much. Mamita passed down this sentiment to my father, who grew up watching American TV shows like Dallas. He built the belief that everything was cooler, bigger, and better in the United States: it was his dream to live there. After immigrating, he met my mother, and soon after, they got engaged. 

In America, it’s typical for the bride to choose her engagement ring, often with a matching wedding band. But in France, there’s a tradition where the groom’s parents create a ring from diamonds to be given when the son is ready to propose. My father had to propose using a picture of the ring because it was in France and he was in America. The ring symbolized not only their marriage but also the long-standing admiration between the two countries. In 2001, my mother finally received the ring, gifted by a French family who loved and admired America. 

For my father, America represented a land of opportunity. The ring is a tangible reminder of how intimate stories have transcended borders, cultivating cultural understanding and shaping the American landscape. 

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