“Don’t ever lose it!” That’s about all I remember about receiving this necklace, but as I've gotten older the meaning and value of this necklace is irreplaceable. For my 8th birthday, I received this black and white diamond necklace from my grandparents. As a kid I usually lost everything, jewelry was no exception. I had many many ripped necklaces, lost earrings, and broken bracelets.  But when I received this necklace, even at a young age I could tell that it was an important item to my family. Over the years I learned that this necklace was a present from my mom’s mom to my dad’s mom who unfortunately passed away before I was born. Before she passed away she had given the necklace back to my grandma on my mom's side, for her to one day give it to me. My dad's grandma was like the oldest daughter in her family. My relatives quite often say I look most like her rather than either my mom or dad. From all the stories I've heard about her I've come to the conclusion that she had no bad traits, she was kind, funny, a leader, very intelligent, and always looked for the good in people which are some traits I also have/aspire to have. Even though I never had the blessing to meet her, this necklace makes me feel like I did. I wear this necklace daily and it's a constant reminder of her, and everything she stood for. It is a reminder of all the traits I one day hope to acquire. 

– Ayana Tarique

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant