When my mother left Syria in 1996, she left behind her world and journeyed on to a new beginning in the United States. She never was a storyteller but she did bring many sentimental objects from the old country. One particular object that stood out from the rest was the pocket-sized mirror she would use when brushing her hair or putting on make-up. The mirror has a picture of a young innocent girl that looks beautiful and passionate. I insisted on knowing the history of the mirror, so I asked my mom all about it over a cup of coffee.

Amil, my mother’s best friend, had gotten her this mirror as a gift from Abu Dhabi to symbolize their everlasting friendship. They had gone to college together and shared laughs and conversations daily. My mother still thinks of her, although they separated paths when she moved to Morocco and my mom immigrated to the United States. Amil and her were constantly seen together, which many people questioned, for she was a Palestinian and my mother was a Jew. People simply couldn’t believe that they were friends when their backgrounds clearly indicated that they should be foes. For this reason, my mother keeps so dear the mirror of her close friend. She remembers the brutal treatment she received in Syria from the “evil eyes” of a society that couldn't believe this friendship existed. Now, she holds on to this mirror to keep herself warm with the memories of her friendship. My mother hasn’t been in contact with Amil since she left Syria, but the mirror remains something valuable: it stands for a unique friendship that would never be compromised. 

– Joseph

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