My abuela Narcissa or Doña Chica as loved ones and friends would call her, married at 14 years old to my abuelo who at the time was 30 years old. My abuelos and their 19 children lived in a small two-bedroom house located in the rural town of Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico where relaxation didn’t occur. My abuela was required to take care of her family while my abuelo was out working in the fields. As a token of gratitude Skate with Me is a dedicated work to my abuela and amá who gave their entire life to provide me with the life that I have today.

Two small gold hoop earrings the only inheritance my amá got from my abuela have been enclosed inside a heart-shaped case since 2007. Skate with Me is a 12-inch-long chain that has 10 bronze replicas of my abuelas earrings. This chain is intended to be placed as a skate chain, yet it can still be used as a neckless.

As a child, skating around my neighborhood was a way I could escape from reality, the feeling of being free and unstoppable. The privilege of skating as a child and even as an adult is an acknowledgment of my abuela. Adding Skate with Me to my roller skates while hearing the clicking and clacking when moving will always be a reminder of my abuela who sacrificed her youth. Although my abuela is no longer with us, I will always ask her, “Abuela, would you like to Skate with Me?”