My Family Culture

            Every year our family hosts a family reunion, and we have always taken a group picture at the end of the day as my grandmother is surrounded by her loved ones. I would take the last picture that was taken in 2016 to travel along side with. I would also take a necklace that was handed down to me by my great grandmother, which has Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers and children.  Lastly, which sounds pretty trivial, would be my baby blanket. Before my great grandmother passed away and knew her grandson was expecting a daughter, she crocheted a beautiful pink and yellow blanket that still sits on my bed till this day.

            These three items I hold extremely dear to my heart, the picture to keep my family with me by my side, if separated, Patron Saint Christopher to protect me as I take on this adventure in another country, and my blanket which can either keep me warm at night or just have the ability to keep a piece of my childhood.

            Knowing I would have to give up two items upon arrival I would admit I would probably have a mental breakdown, but I would choose to keep my picture. To never forget the faces of my loved ones, a necklace can be replaced, a blanket can be replaced, while they might not have come from family members, those two items are replaceable. A picture is worth a thousand words, and having my family by my side through such a catastrophe would be exactly what I need.

            Thinking about such a think happening, made me scared, I would not be able to handle being separated from my family, I would not be able to put the smile on my face, that is always there, and be strong enough to help others during this difficult time. My family, my culture, my differences from the others in this world, is what makes me, me! I would hope to end up in a country where my differences were respected, but the world we live in now, we are always so quick to judge and just believe that our way is the only right way. Being taken in as a refugee, I must be thankful for the individuals who help my family and me; I must respect their culture and beliefs, and hope that my attitudes and beliefs are respected as well.