The figurine was precious to my grandmother. My maternal ancestors had come here in 1898 to escape great-grandfather serving in the Kaiser’s army. They brought a few things and their five children. My grandmother was the first child born in the United States, in 1901. At least that’s what grandpa told me; she might have been born in Bohemia shortly before they left. I remember always admiring the old couple, as I always called it, as a child every time we went to visit my grandparents. It was a gift from my cousin Bobby, bought during his military service in occupied Japan. By the time my family came to California, grandmother was already confined to bed and had most of her personal possessions and treasures in her bedroom with her. The figurine was on a shelf close to her so she could hold it and mentally see it when she wanted to (she had already started going blind from the diabetes which would claim her life). Grandmother died in 1970. Grandfather was careful with everything in the house which had belonged to her. They were married when grandmother was very young, and they never loved anyone else. It is still very much a part of my household, and one of the few things which has survived my seven moves since buying my first home.  

– Christopher Metta Bexar

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