When i was 7 i was able to move to the U.S. to see my grandma, have a better life, and study, but while i was in Ukraine I spent most time with my uncle Bogdan, and my cousin Daria, who is only 3-4 months older than me. Growing up, even when we were little and would sometimes fight, we would still stick together no matter what. Both Daria and Bogdan were always able to be make me smile, and i was able to do the same for them. However once i moved to America, it felt as if i lost a piece of myself...I did not have any friends in America when i first moved, because i did not know much English. At some point my mom brought me the photo album where i saw this photo. I immediately knew that no matter what I had to stay strong, because one way or another i would still visit them someday. Although i only visited once in the 8 years that i have been in America for, i still feel very connected to the both of them. Overall I am very thankful to have them in my life and dearly love them.

– Ilona Jafarova

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