'The option to be physically present during that difficult time doesn't exist. We’re restricted from the opportunity to participate in the rituals taking place in our homelands.'
, also uses art as a tool for healing grief. They immigrated with their family from Ecuador and are formerly undocumented. “I talk a lot about feelings in my art, specifically the experience of losing self and the grief of being in a community that is vulnerable, not protected, and their livelihood isn't respected,” they explain.
Their art has helped them throughout the years when experiencing grief of all forms. “I'm not necessarily exploring feelings around grief, in terms of loss of life, but I’ve explored, feelings of grief around things that you should be able to share that you can’t share, for example, being in certain places without people that are close to you or knowing that you're sometimes distant from your culture, relatives, and ancestors,” they say.
Grieving can often feel isolating, but Barragan-O’Brien reminds us that “even though the experience can feel lonely, know that we're not alone and that there are people that can help us through the [grieving] process.” It’s important to find people that make you feel safe, heard, and validated. “One of the most important things in life is to find your community. Sometimes you don't even need to share what it is that you're feeling.
Today, connecting with other undocumented people has become more accessible through social media and immigrant-led organizations.
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