I was born in the USA and raised in the Dominican Republic. When I was 7 years old, my mom decided to come to the USA permanently, of course in hopes of the American dream. Everyone that has migrated to the USA, knows that somehow we bring something from our home country. This might mean you bring your memories, customs, traditions, or your favorite Stovetop coffee maker. My grandma and mother for some reason cannot let go of their old fashion stovetop coffee maker. Everywhere my grandmother goes she uses her greca. People have tried to buy her electrical ones but she still has them in a box. When my grandmother's greca starts looking all burn off at the bottom, she will ask anyone going to Dominican Republic to get her another one. No matter what, it must be from over there. Not only are they so connected to the greca but to coffee itself especially the Dominican Republic brand. Everyone who lands in my mom house will end up drinking coffee for sure. As soon as a guest arrive, they are asked or given coffee without asking at times. I feel like the tradition of the greca and offering coffee as soon as you get to my mom and grandmother house is really common at least in the Dominican Republic. My mother and grandmother are so attach to their greca because of the sense of connection to our background. Having that coffee maker, makes them feel like they not leaving their roots behind while still  adapting to the new norms and traditions.     

– ismaris Delacruz

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