This virgin was made in Ecuador and was left behind when my mother immigrated to the United States. Eight years later, it was carefully brought to the United States wrapped in clothes in a suitcase to make sure it didn’t break. It is believed that it gives my family good luck, this is why the virgin is placed on the entrance of our house. It is an important object for me because it has existed for many decades. In my opinion, it is amazing how the virgin has been kept for so long. Sometimes I see my mother smiling at the virgin, she tells me she smiles because it gives her a sense of her country of origin. My mother always says that every person has their own sense of their country because they all come from a different place. Although she’s in a different country, she has something that makes her feel comfortable. The virgin gives her the sense of home and memories of her childhood. During Christmas, the virgin is taken to the church by the youngest girl in the family to receive a blessing from the priest. The virgin gives me identity because she has been by my side since I was born. Not only this, but it also represents the religion with which I grew up, Catholicism. I have done my baptism, first communion, and my confirmation, my parents could not be prouder because I am following their footsteps.  

– Nancy Remache

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