On a visit to my grandparents when I was really little, I saw a white bear stuffed animal in my dad’s childhood bedroom. During this time, my dad was deployed and without asking, I took the bear. This item is so important to me because it makes me think of my dad whenever he isn’t around and has been with me through every hard point in my life. This bear has also traveled to many places. My dad got him during his college years at Clarkson University, which is in New York, and then he moved with us to Virginia, and he is now in New Hampshire. He has gone on almost every vacation since I was little. This shows a part of my identity because of not only how he looks which shows how long I’ve had him, but also the memories I have tied to him. He used to be bright white, and is more tan, with a missing eye and his Clarkson t-shirt. He is a symbol of how much my family and I have been through.  With the military and the moving, he has been to every state, or base we’ve lived at, and the importance is stronger because I got him while my dad was deployed. My family and I see him as a remembrance of getting through the 20 years in the military. 
 

– ND

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