The object is a necklace called la Medalla de San Benito. The story behind the object follows through my mom’s side of the family as my grandpa had this when he crossed the border into the U.S. It was difficult for him to leave Mexico but he wanted my mom and most of his family to go to the United States. He was the first in the family to have left the country as he wanted to find a job and a stable home to have his whole family come.  He worked difficult jobs day and night in strawberry fields and as a dishwasher for an Italian restaurant. He wanted the best life he could provide for his children which is why he wanted to go to the United States. My mom said that my grandma was scared for my grandpa and gave it to him as a sense of protection over him. When he passed away, my whole family was distraught especially because many of his family weren’t able to say goodbye. Years after his death, my mother had given this necklace to me on my 18th birthday.  She was scared for me to go through adulthood just as my grandma was scared for my grandpa going to a new country as I was the last of her kids to turn 18. She then explained to me about the necklace and the background behind it. This necklace means a lot to me because it not only symbolizes protection but the loved one has for their family.

– Christopher Isaac Macias

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant