Growing up, I have always been brought up as catholic. Being the daughter of Dominican immigrants, religion has played a major role in my identity that has held me grounded towards my culture even growing up in the United States. For as long as I can remember the crucifix has always been displayed hanging above my front door. It has never been moved. I don’t even remember it being moved when the walls were painted. When I was younger, all I was told was that the man hanging there was Jesus Christ and that he will always protect me. To be honest, however, younger me was scared of it. It was so graphic and detailed with blood dripping from his body and all I could think of was the stories told to me by my grandmother about how Jesus had nails bashed into his hands and feet in order for him to be mounted onto the crucifix. Now when I look at it I start to wonder where it came from. My parents had never told me where it came from nor where they got it and I never got around to asking them, all I know is that it remains there above the front door untouched. 

– Lorein Lopez

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