The three items I would bring with me are my wedding album, my beanie baby which has "mom" sewn on it and a framed picture of my family.
I would bring my wedding album which has pictures of my side of the family and my husband's side of the family. My kids would be able to see their family: aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents.
The beanie baby is the first item I received from my mom when I brought my oldest son home from the hospital.
The framed picture of my family is important to me. When I look at the picture, it reminds me of all the things we made it through as a family. It is amazing how fast children grow and how the picture captures the most special moment in my life.
I would be extremely hurt and angry if I found out I could only keep one item. It was tough enough leaving my home and everything behind except three items. It took time to decide which items would come with me. Now, I no longer can keep my three items which I chose in order to help my children stay connected with their family. The wedding album reflects my celebration of love with my family and friends. The beanie baby with "mom" sewn on it is very special due to the fact my mother gave it to me where I first became a mother. The day I brought my son home from the hospital, the baby room was made up and the beanie baby bear was waiting for me in my room. The framed picture of my family reminds me of the happy times we shared. It would give my family hope that better times are in our future. It would feel like the hope and promise for happier times are taken away when I am forced to keep one of three special items I chose.
I have learned that if a person is forced to let go of their culture, they are not happy. The person may not reach their full potential due being made to feel it is wrong to be who they are. Culture is a part of the person. It can not be separated. It is not possible to leave your culture behind due to the fact it is a part of you. I found it very difficult to chose three items from my culture to be immersed in a culture which is completely opposite of mine. It is difficult to think about how I would make sure my children understood their background and knew their family.
It must be very difficult to let go of your culture in order to submerge yourself in another culture which is completely opposite of your culture. I would feel lost and very sad. I would feel like I could do nothing right and who I am is a mistake which needs to change.
"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-
Interesting selection! I think you are right that we cannot be separated from our culture. But even then it is difficult to choose any item to remind us of who we are. Thanks for sharing the photo of your wonderful family!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I agree it would be hard to leave one item behind. All of your items seem very important to you.
ReplyDeleteRohzawne:
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your blog and enjoy that your chosen three items were similar to mine. I wouldn’t take my wedding album because I am single, but I may take a picture from it, so that my children can remember their father. Your story remains me of how it must feel when illegal Mexicans or immigrants come over the border here in California. I never thought of how they feel and many of the families cannot go back to their country. Thank you for your empowered post.