This picture is of a vase that is currently at my father’s house in Atlantic City. The vase had an exciting journey before it got to its final resting place, however. A couple of years before they came to the United States, my grandparents obtained this vase. My grandfather was walking around the marketplace when a new shipment of things from Guangzhou arrived. That’s when he spotted the vase. Enamored by its beauty, my grandfather paid the equivalent of about eight to ten dollars, in cash, for the vase. During its time in China, the vase was used as a centerpiece, holding many pretty flowers, especially during Chinese New Year.   When my grandparents immigrated to the United States, the vase passed through Chinese customs. Officials allowed them to bring the vase here. However, some other objects weren’t so lucky. My grandfather recalls Chinese authorities not allowing him to bring certain books to the United States. The books had to be shipped back to relatives.   When they arrived in the United States, my grandparents didn’t automatically take the vase out of the box. It was left there until my grandparents were living on their own, and not with their brothers and sisters. Once they got their new house, they put the vase into a glass cabinet for all to see and admire. However, once my dad got his house in New Jersey, he stated his affinity towards the vase and brought it to his house to display.   It has made one heck of a journey.

– Jessica Jiang

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