I heard the ocean swelling,
Daring me to cross.
Category: Volume 20
Hiking in a New Country
Sunday is my favorite day of the week because it is my rest day. My family and I are used to having an active rest. On Sundays we hike. Our Sunday morning begins with a Russian lesson for my youngest son. He studies Russian every Sunday with a tutor because we don’t want him to forget his native language. While my son is studying, I prepare everything for the hike: I take out our hiking shoes, pour tea into each thermos, and prepare snacks. My son’s Russian lesson takes from 10 to 11 a.m., then we have family breakfast and hit the road.
A Family Legend
Dear Father,
I’m writing to your memory tonight because I miss you so much. I know that no words can bring you back, and no one can replace you. I will never, ever stop loving you.
A Funny Family Story
Mother told us how it was in 1969. She and Dad were raising three children in Jamaica. Dad sometimes traveled to the United States as a farm worker. We lived in a tenement yard. A lot of families lived in a big yard in different houses, but they all used the same toilet and kitchen.
Remembering Mom
To my beautiful Mom,
Where do I begin, Mom? I hope you can see me every day like you used to. Our deep and endless conversations . . . Will I be able to ever stop these thoughts? Who would ever have dreamed our times together would pass? The impermanence of life was disguised in your endless love. I cherish all those memories.
Death from 6860 Kilometers
My father was 78 years old when I decided to emigrate abroad with my husband for the first time. My father wasn’t too old but not young either.
My Grandfather
I remember my grandfather’s wrinkled, rough hands as he
held mine.
I remember his big hug protecting me.
I remember my feeling inside this hug, his face fresh with mint
from his aftershave.
My Angel
I wish to see you one more time
Come and tell me how you are
Day by day and night by night
I hope to see you in every star
A Missing Piece
Never ever had I thought of making my own breakfast.
Never ever had I thought of cooking my own dinner.
Never ever had I thought of washing my own dishes.
Never ever had I thought of taking care of myself when I am ill.
Hot Chocolate and Empanadas
When I was a child, my mother and I lived alone. She worked in a pharmacy, but the money was never enough because my father did not send us any money. We used what she earned to pay the rent, but there was not much left over.
The Golden Earrings
Twenty-five years ago, my husband gave me a pair of beautiful round golden earrings. It was a gift for Valentine’s Day. Since that day, I have always worn my earrings. My husband would see me with the earrings every day and would tell me, “You liked my gift a lot.”
Life Is Beautiful
I was born in 1993 in Pakistan. I opened my eyes in a family that was rich with love. I had three sisters and one brother. I remember that there was enough food. Our hearts were big, and we gave to others; big and small colorful clothes were all over the house.
First Day of School
A week ago, I started talking to him about his new routine. He didn’t know what it was about, but I was very happy and impatient to see this day arrive. The day before, I told him that tomorrow would be a great day, not only for him, but for us. He gave me a smile. The next day, I woke him up early, gave him his bath, dressed him, and made him sit on the bed so I could talk to him. I blessed him and told him how happy and proud I am of him. My joy was immense because, for me, it was the beginning of a beautiful story: Learn, make friends, and converse.
Brought Up by Books
I was brought up in Moscow, Russia. All I remember about my early childhood is the feeling of total unhappiness and despair. At an early age, I was put in a special place for children whose parents were unable to take care of their kids for various reasons. I remember how much I hated that place and how much I wanted to go home. I remember our awful teachers, who established terrible rules we had to follow. Living there was real torture. It did leave an indelible impression on me.
A Gift: A Diary
When I was 11 years old, I started a new life at a new school, and it was great, but I was scared because everything had changed. I still remember how I met my best friend. Nobody talked to me in the classroom because I was a new student, and everyone had a group. However, …