My bible is significant part of my family culture because it
represents my Catholic faith. It is because of my faith that I have been able
to make decisions when I need to do it, the same in tough situations and every
moment in my life. My faith also guides my behavior, because I avoid doing
things that attempt against the commandments of my religion.
A photo album has been important part of my life because it
has pictures that bring back and show memories about the life I had in Mexico
and also about my current life in USA. These pictures show everything about the
especial moments and people who have influenced me to become who and how I am
today. Through these pictures is also possible to identify the places where I use[d]
to go and the activities I like[d], being both essential part of my family
culture.
My cookbook is especially important to me because my mom
wrote it and gave it to me when I got married. It is also meaningful to me
because throughout the preparation of those recipes I recall my mom cooking the
meals that my family and I enjoyed. These recipes are also important to me
because when my mom was cooking she used to talk about her mom, how she cooked,
as well as the modifications she made to the recipes. Because
the recipes in this book have been created by/ inherited from my great grandma
to my grandma, then to my mom, and now to me, the cookbook reflects not only my
Mexican food, but also significant family moments because some recipes were
cooked mostly for holidays.
If I needed to keep only one item, I would choose my family
album because it has images that show others and remind me what has been my
life and how I have changed. These pictures also show the people, places, and activities
that have influenced my life.
This exercise reminded me when I moved to USA from Mexico
because I brought those three items, plus few clothes, and my laptop. In the very
first days and having left behind my parents, siblings, friends, favorite places,
language, and everything that up to that time had been my life, I realized the importance
of being surrounded by supportive and caring people who have about the same
practices I had in Mexico. In my case these people were my husband and my in-laws;
they were willing to introduce me my adoptive country, by teaching me the
practices that are common here and that would help thrive and settle down. Nowadays,
I have learned to live missing my loved ones, but I also have learned to adjust
my family culture to the opportunities what this country has offered me.
Caty, that must of been very difficult to up and move to a new country with a different culture, language and without your parents, siblings and friends. It probably did make you realize and have to prioritize what is important in your life and what items you needed to have around you to remember who you are. I like the items you chose as well, they seem to be a clear representation of who you are.
ReplyDeleteHi Caty
ReplyDeleteIt is beneficial when we can speak from experience about what is important to us. I moved from southern Ontario to a completely different culture living in the Arctic islands of Canada amongst a predominantly Inuit culture and found that like you, I learned to live without my loved ones and needed to adapt to the new opportunities that were possible in the culture where I was living.
I hope that you do get back to see your family sometimes.
Carolyn
Caty,
ReplyDeleteEven if you weren't able to keep your cookbook, you have your mother's voice talking about the recipes in your head and that is something you can always treasure and have with you. And, yes, our Bibles are a constant and God's word never changes. That is my guide and comfort, too.
Caty,
ReplyDeleteOne of my items was also a photo album and it would be the one I would choose if I could only take one. Pictures are snapshots of our lives and while it be difficult to leave the other items behind, I agree it represents our history as individuals. Thanks for sharing such an intimate and heartfelt post!
Hi Caty,
ReplyDeleteYour choices have deep meaning and purpose for your life. Your relationship with God and your family are important and should always be kept close by you and in your heart. Those things can never be replaced.