Jessica, when did you migrate to Melbourne and why?
I migrated to Melbourne in 1988. I fled the horrors of the Lebanese Civil War and came to this country so that I could raise a family in a safe environment where they could prosper and live without the fear of being killed at any moment.

What sacrifices did you have to make to be able to raise Raquelle in Australia?
I had to leave my family, friends and everything that I had built in Lebanon. Being away from my parents was very hard for me. I was too young to be dealing with so many issues. I grew up very fast and unfortunately lost both of my parents not too long after establishing myself in Melbourne. Being away from them and losing so much time with them is a very painful reality for me that I don’t think I’ll ever get over.

How would you say life in your early 20s differs for both of you?
Jess: At Raquelle’s age I moved half way across the world. I was married and raising my first daughter whilst still studying. In my teens I was very restricted as a woman in the Middle East. I wish we had the Internet and social media so that I could have been more connected to the world.
Raquelle: I am not limited by anything and hearing about mum’s experiences growing up makes me appreciate my all of the opportunities that are open to me.

How would you describe your relationship Raquelle?
Transparent, honest, supporting and truly unimaginable. We share the kind of love that’s written about in love stories. I will never truly be able to articulate our relationship; words are limited in in their capabilities.