My family is not a sentimental one. They did not bring much of anything from China when they immigrated to the United States. In fact, the only thing they brought was this wok spatula. A wok is a Chinese round-bottomed pan, used for anything from steaming to sauteing. A wok spatula, as the name implies, is a spatula made specifically for use with the wok. This spatula was custom-made; my grandmother made it herself and took it with her to America. When my mom moved out of the family house, at around 2004, my grandma gave it to her as a gift. It is the only material object my mother places sentimental value on. To me, it represents familial bonds. My mother no longer sees her parents and siblings as often as she used to; we only see them once a week vs. everyday. This spatula is what ties the family home to my home. It represents the importance of family in Chinese culture. 

– Shania Yang

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