When my father was 28, he moved to the United States for love. Wholesome, jolly, and kind, he was born and raised in the grassy hills of Ireland, and radiates Irish culture and personality. My father nurtured his children in an Americanized-Irish home, stressing the importance of family and faith, while sipping tea and munching on chocolate covered biscuits. Even though I never mention it, moving permanently to New York City and leaving behind his family, friends, and history, to be with the love of his life, makes him the bravest person I know. And after raising two kids in the States, paying NY income & property taxes for 25 years, and becoming an American citizen, my dad is the modern day "American Dream." Yet, despite the hustle and bustle of our lives, the teapot has sat on top of our stovetop for my entire life. Pouring endless cups of overly sweetened Tetly tea, that old tea pot has never lost its handle, and has never stopped whistling. My Granny gave this teapot to my father when he was a young man, as a necessary staple for whatever home he chose to create. And even though his mom remains back home in Ireland, she's in our home, and in his life, everyday. Unconsciously, my dad had brought a piece of his old home, into the one he chose to create.

– Frankie O'Hare

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