I love this, Ashley! Such a poignant and beautifully-written story. I love the insight woven throughout and how you made sense of their journey, your wanting to belong in your family's story, and the journey you've chosen for yourself. Really enjoyed learning about you here and your writing is stellar!
Karen, such kind words — thank you. This piece really just felt like the story was already written on my heart, but I needed to make time to translate and set it free. Thank you for reading it ❤️
Thanks so much for this essay, Ashley! I can totally relate to your feelings and experiences as the child of immigrant parents. In fact, your blog reminds me of a panel I saw on YouTube a while back about Black women with Caribbean parents who moved to the US and UK for better lives, only to become expats themselves. It’s a fascinating perspective, and one that I expect to only grow as time goes on.
It’s such an interesting loop, isn’t it? That the dreams our parents wanted for us might not be the ones we need or what for ourselves? Or perhaps it is their first step off their home continent that gives us the courage to take our own. Either way, it’s a beautiful journey.
So enjoyed reading this Ashley. I love getting to know these parts of you I didn’t get a chance to when we were both in Durham. Thank you for sharing your heart and writing with us. Can’t wait to read more!
Karen, you were and are one of the original storytellers I have been so proud to know, especially on matters of faith. So glad our paths crossed and continue to cross, even across oceans ❤️
Beautiful words on a complex topic. This is something that I also grapple with. And as someone whose family is from the Lisbon area - I hope you are enjoying it!
I love this, Ashley! Such a poignant and beautifully-written story. I love the insight woven throughout and how you made sense of their journey, your wanting to belong in your family's story, and the journey you've chosen for yourself. Really enjoyed learning about you here and your writing is stellar!
Karen, such kind words — thank you. This piece really just felt like the story was already written on my heart, but I needed to make time to translate and set it free. Thank you for reading it ❤️
I can feel that in your words. 🙌
Thanks so much for this essay, Ashley! I can totally relate to your feelings and experiences as the child of immigrant parents. In fact, your blog reminds me of a panel I saw on YouTube a while back about Black women with Caribbean parents who moved to the US and UK for better lives, only to become expats themselves. It’s a fascinating perspective, and one that I expect to only grow as time goes on.
It’s such an interesting loop, isn’t it? That the dreams our parents wanted for us might not be the ones we need or what for ourselves? Or perhaps it is their first step off their home continent that gives us the courage to take our own. Either way, it’s a beautiful journey.
So enjoyed reading this Ashley. I love getting to know these parts of you I didn’t get a chance to when we were both in Durham. Thank you for sharing your heart and writing with us. Can’t wait to read more!
Karen, you were and are one of the original storytellers I have been so proud to know, especially on matters of faith. So glad our paths crossed and continue to cross, even across oceans ❤️
Me too! ❤️
Beautiful words on a complex topic. This is something that I also grapple with. And as someone whose family is from the Lisbon area - I hope you are enjoying it!
Thank you so much for this story. I enjoyed reading every line of it.