My father immigrated from Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Richmond Hill, New York, in February 1987, at the age of nine. Previously, my grandparents´ divorce left him with his grandparents and father, all the while his mother came to see him. One day, she told my grandfather that America was "the land full of dreams," and she would thus like to be part of that same American Dream. After a talk with her, my grandfather allowed the temporary visa sending my father to the United States. Just before he boarded, his mother provided him with this picture that would serve as a bridge between them. He moved into her small apartment with her new husband and his little sister, living on a fold-out bed, which is now one of his strongest memories. He celebrated his 10th birthday in America, a few months after. He gained residency after obtaining his father's permission. This has become a memory for him, showing how he gave the picture back to her years later on Mother's Day, hopeful for their future in America. Eventually, my father met my mother, and they had three children —me being one of them. I owe my life in America to the sacrifices of my father and grandmother, and for that, I am very grateful. This history reminds me of how far we have come and the future we continue to build, together.

– Maya Aviles

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