The object that has the most importance to me and my family, is my grandfather’s guitar. The guitar is a dark brown and made out of wood. It was the only physical possession my grandfather had with him when he moved from Puerto Rico to New York.              When I turned 16, my grandpa made the decision to give me his guitar in hopes that I would learn how to play just like him. My family always talks about how my grandfather used to be in a band back in Puerto Rico. My grandma loves listening to my grandpa’s old record of him playing with his band during family parties and events. I am so happy that my grandfather chose me to continue the family tradition of playing the guitar.              Whenever I used to hear my grandfather play his guitar, I felt more of a connection to my Puerto Rican roots. The guitar is important to me because I have memories of my grandfather playing traditional Puerto Rican songs for me when I was younger. Every time I see a guitar I automatically think of my grandfather and all the memories we share together. I do not have a lot of connections to my Puerto Rican heritage but I can connect with my grandfather’s guitar. When I was younger, I took guitar lessons; but now in college, I do not have as much time. I plan to take lessons again and to learn some of the songs my grandfather used to play for me. 

– Kara Hernandez

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant