My mother made a lot of sacrifices coming to America. It never crossed my mind on what types of obstacles she faced coming here. My mother, Sonia Saenz, immigrated to America in search of a better life for herself but most importantly, my siblings. At the time, I wasn’t born yet. She traveled a long distance with nothing but food and water. As for my siblings, they were separated from my mother and took a much safer path to the United States only to reunite weeks later. One of the few things she had with her was a silky flowered apron and that is what she was wearing. The apron, also called “mandil” in Mexico, was something that has been in our family for 4 generations now. Before my mother owned it, it was in the hands of my great great grandmother, great grandmother, and my grandmother. As we all know, aprons are made to be used while cooking and cleaning. In Mexico, many women style it with their everyday outfits as well. I am very grateful my mother owns this piece because she has been able to explain to me about its purpose and backstory. I was told how my grandmothers would always wear the apron while cooking whenever it came down to big holidays such as Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The apron will continue to get passed on as we remember our culture and ancestors.

– Adan Correa

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