It all started about 30 years ago, when my aunt was forced to give up what she loved, her education. During that time she mostly did housework but she also played with her friends a lot. My great grandmother’s son had gone to Cuba for his studies. When he came back to visit his family in Yemen he brought back a small blue sijada for his mom. My great grandmother loved him a lot so this sijada was very important to her. 5 years later, my aunt started to grow up and she needed to learn how to pray. Since my great grandmother loved her she gave her the sijada. During the interview my aunt said, “I was so happy because it was a gift from my grandma and I loved her so much. I wouldn’t let anybody use it or take it from me because I would always say it was mine and mine only.” Later on my great grandmother got sick and passed away. The sijada became even more important. 7 years later, my older brothers started to pray so my mom asked my aunt if she could borrow the sijada. My aunt said, “I gave it to her because I loved her and I wanted to give what I love to someone I love.” 18 years later the sijada has been passed down to me.

– MN

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