Ethnically, I am a European mix, but as I consider objects near and dear to me, I choose these Asian items, which have traveled with me for years. Both sets of grandparents have a connection to Asia, which has inspired me. My maternal grandparents (Omom and Opop) traveled to China in the 1990s on a group tour, and they speak fondly of that trip.  My aunt and uncle traveled throughout Asia as well, having worked and lived in Taiwan, my aunt also in China. One of my aunt’s work colleagues designed these t-shirts in response to the 1989 Tiananmen Square uprising. My aunt gave them to my grandparents, who gave them to me. They are soft shirts with a strong message:  "the people will not forget." A few beautiful characters express very big ideas, and remind us of our place in the world, how we can watch events unfolding in another neighborhood, country, or continent, and we feel connected. 
In addition, this Life Magazine was given to me by my aunt and uncle, and my love for Japan is fierce.  My paternal grandfather has a deep connection to Japan, having been at Pearl Harbor, new to the military in 1940.  During his time there, he experienced Japanese culture and friendships, and he was in the newly-formed radar unit on December 7th, 1941.  To this day, he has a fondness for Japanese culture; his home has Asian accents throughout. When I went on to teach English in Japan, Grandpop was more than supportive.  This whimsical magazine cover reminds me of his experiences as a young man, as well as my chosen family in Japan.
 


 
  

– Jill

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