Despite being a Takahashi, I have Chinese heritage. I have an open adoption, meaning I’ve had a relationship with my birthmother my whole life. She was raised in Hong Kong by her American father and Chinese mother. She later came to California when her mother, Theodora, needed cancer treatment. Unfortunately, she did not survive, and I never got to meet her.

When I turned 20, I met my biological uncle. He gifted me a jade necklace that belonged to Theodora and told me the eldest in the family should receive it. Jade came to my attention again last year when my birthmom visited me and her other daughter in San Francisco. My sister was fixated on finding jade, so we went from store to store in Chinatown, trying on bracelets and looking at quality. Seeing jade everywhere, I realized my necklace was not just part of my family history, but part of a larger Chinese tradition.

This project inspired me to ask my uncle about jade. I learned that it represents purity, prosperity, health, wisdom, and protection. He also shared the belief that jade changes color as it absorbs evil energy. I imagine Theodora wearing the necklace during treatment and placing hope in those beliefs.

Being adopted can make it difficult to feel like I can claim this heritage. Now, when I see a stranger wearing jade, I smile and feel like I’m in on a secret, even though jade’s importance is no secret at all. As I look for a piece, I’m comforted knowing this tradition has endured in America and remains within reach.

– Kelsey Takahashi

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