The first (human) loss I experienced was my grandfather’s passing. In the days leading up to his passing, my parents made calls to family, getting updates on his condition as they wondered whether my mom would have to go be with him. Early one morning, I woke up to my parents talking and packing hurriedly for the airport. His condition had worsened. When I heard the door shut behind them as they left, my ears rang from the silence as I worried to myself, “Is Zayde okay?”. I was asleep before my other mom returned.
On October 4th, 2022, my mom woke me up and informed me of my grandfather’s passing. I still went to school, like normal, feeling abnormal. My grandfather had been there all my life, and for him to suddenly no longer be, was jarring.
I stayed strong throughout the service, but as they lowered his casket into the ground, I looked up and saw my grandmother who looked broken and close to tears. I crossed the distance between us and hugged her, quietly sobbing as she hugged me back. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that.
A few months later, I was starting to accessorize. I asked my mom if she had any accessories, and she pressed a silver ring with a swirl on top into my palm, saying it was my Zayde’s. Even today, it’s my favorite ring.
Although I don’t wear it daily anymore, I still wear it to Synagogue, Passover, and other Jewish holidays. It reminds me of my grandfather, and to be proud of who I am and where I’m from.

– N.R.

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more