Long Distance MemoriesI remember when I was little my godmother got me this toy puppy that would do cartwheels and walk. This is one of my favorite toys I’ve ever gotten because I actually learned how to do a cartwheel watching it. And also because I would always get excited playing with it. My father came to the United States in 1983 after a few of his siblings had already moved to the U.S. He has always told me about the places he worked or lived. For example, he always told me stories about working at a bodega with one of his younger brothers. He has also told me stories about when he lived with a family friend and even showed me the building and apartment which his friend still lives in. He has always sent money to his mother and father to help out and he still does even though his father passed away 5-6 years ago. He and his siblings have a tradition that they go to the Dominican Republic every April to celebrate Easter. The puppy toy reminds me of the time before me and my mother migrated to the U.S because that toy was part of most of the memories I’ve had in the Dominican Republic. The toy also represents the time change of when I was just a toddler to a more mature child.

– Valentina Rodriguez

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