During the early 90s, my mother decided to immigrate to the United States on her own. She left everything behind, from her education to her family. The Great American Dream promised a life filled with opportunities, freedom, and wealth. While this may be true, it certainly wasn’t the case when my mother first arrived in New York, where she rented a small apartment. In a foreign country, she didn't speak the language, had few friends, and didn’t have any relatives to support her—until she met my father. He was a typical young man, living a carefree life and getting by from paycheck to paycheck. When my father eagerly pursued my mother, she was hesitant, as she wanted stability and a partner with a sense of strong responsibility. Eventually, they got together, and my father bought these matching rings as a gift. They weren't extravagant, but they represented a promise he made to be a constant presence in her life, standing by her side. Finally, my mother has someone who will care for her. Throughout the years, my father worked hard to earn enough to provide for my mother and, eventually, a family of four. I honestly would never know if my mom liked my dad or just wanted to settle down, but I know for sure both of them have fought to keep this family together. Occasionally, I would see my mother take the two rings out of her secret drawer and clean them. Just to put it in perspective, I bought her an expensive necklace, and she broke it within three months.

– BL

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