Motherland

Personal Essay

Originally exhibited at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art

Many years ago, my mother shows me photos of her home in Guadalajara, México. Mementos of a life I never lived uncurl between her hands.

“This is the pueblo I knew before coming to California,” she says while holding rustic colors and strange architectures. “I inherited a home here. If God wishes, maybe this will be yours one day.”

“But what would I do with your home?” I ask my mother, uncertain of this home outside my homeland.

“Appreciate it,” she answers. “What else is there to do?”

Originally written on December 27, 2019.