Both of my parents immigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union. My mom was born in Minsk, Belarus, and grew up in Minsk and Siberia. Whenever I go to my grandpa’s house, I am mesmerized by the chest of china in the living room of the apartment - from teacups of thin glass that feel so delicate that they will crumble in your hands, to the matching plates and spoons. When I was little, I pointed out to my grandpa a cup that had a mural-like painting and various golden accents, and he took it out and showed me the bottom. It was made in the “German Democratic Republic” (East Germany). Glassware produced in East Germany was more expensive and known to be much better made than that made in the Soviet Union.

My grandparents had bought the set that included this cup in a store for people in the military (as my grandpa was teaching in the military), and they had saved up and used a large portion of their salary to be able to buy this set. My grandparents brought this cup with them when they came to the United States, wrapped in newspapers and tucked into the crevices of their suitcases. The cup is of both sentimental and real value, a representation of the hard work and dedication of my grandparents. Whenever I see these cups, they remind me of my grandmother and her love for beautiful pieces of china and the vastly different environment, both socially and politically, that my family emigrated from. 

– SM

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