Dear Grandmother,
I wanted to write you this letter to let you know how much you have impacted my life. If it wasn't for you where would I be? Or maybe I should be asking, who would I be? All those years of hard work, sleepless nights, and exhaustion, only for you to make sure that my brother and I are being raised in a way she would've wanted. You know who I mean when I say she. Yes, my mother. My mother who was taken away from me at the young age of two. As the saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child", well you, my dear, were my village. The greatest impact I had in my life came from you. You raised me, taught me wrong from right, showed me what love is, and most importantly sacrificed everything for me. However, no matter how much I write, I will never be able to explain how grateful I am. You filled in a gap that could never be filled. I was young when mum passed away, but as I started to grow up, I missed her, I yearned for her touch, and I longed for her presence. You were the only one that understood this feeling as you mourned your daughter's death every day. You had a way to make all the pain go away, all the heartache, and the grief. The way you raised me and the things you taught me shaped my life and made me who I am today. That's why I continue to ask, who would I have been without you? As a woman, you showed me what strength is, you showed me what love means, and you showed me what self-respect looks like. I grew up with you having daily conversations about the importance of family, our culture, traditions, and most importantly love and forgiveness. You taught me how to forgive, how to understand others, how to interact with people, and how to respect different cultures. You made sure I always did my homework properly and got the highest grades at school. You always made sure I was well-dressed, well-fed, and well looked after. You shaped the me that I am today. I ask who I would've been without you because I know that there is not one person on this Earth that would've loved me like you did, cared for me like you did, raised me the way you did, or respected me as you did. You showed me how to live, how to prioritise, how to be strong, and how to adapt. I lost you on the 13th of September 2020 but I gained another angel. You passed away and I was overseas, I didn't get the chance to properly say my goodbyes. Your passing was one of the toughest and cruellest experiences in my life. I think of you every day. I am grateful for everything you've ever done for me, I am grateful for you, I am grateful to have had you in my life, and I am most grateful to have been able to be a part of your life. You took me in when I was a broken little child and raised me to be a strong and resilient young woman, and for that again I say I am grateful. You used to drive me to school every day and back, take me to my dance classes, and pick me up from friends' houses. The reason why you out of all people impacted my life the most is that you taught me how to love and how to sacrifice for love. To me, that is one of the most valuable things I learned in life. I hope and pray that one day I can become a small piece of the lady you once were. I miss you, I appreciate you, and I love you.
Always and Forever,
Talia
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Talia Halime and writers in Families and other communities.
The Beauty of the Land
It was long time ago faraway in a distant land. There dwelled noble people people with traditions people with cultures people with accents. They were peaceful people and they were more civilized than war. They had developed in this land and they had became something more durable than conflict. They were adventurous people. People who highly regarded collective and unity. People who were not afraid to fight for family. People who would befriend those who embraced their culture. And they lived with dignity and honor. They would strive to be something great. They were taught many stories orally that they had to remember. Benji was a shepherd and he hurdle many cattles and sheep alike. He was a very patient man. He worked most of his life for what he wanted. But he could not find a mate. He would sometimes dream of being with someone. He would drift off in his own fantasy. But all he had was cattle and sheep that he treated like children. He would keep watch over all of them and make sure they were well feed. And he was one of the best shepherd in his days. He was steadfast and loyal. He had some wealth. He would not be afraid to help his neighbor whom he often gave advice to about how to tend his sheep. Because the sheep would wander in Benji's flock. And then there were Queene, she was total opposite in fine clothing and fine array. She was the talk of her town. She was very beautiful and graceful. But she did not find a suitor who would bring her true happiness. She was scared of motherhood and she was uncertain about having a family. Queene never did anything for herself. She was well-maintained by her father's servants. And she was set to inherit a good fortune one day. It so happened that Queene had to go on a visit near a town by Benji's hometown. And Queene was well protected and well-cared for. When a raging lion came out of nowhere and started attacking her company. The servants told Queene to escaped for her life while they fight the lion. But Queene was stubborn and she hesitatingly moved. That's when Benji came along the way and he was courageous and brave. He took his shepherd's staff and rod and beat the lion into submission. And the lion ranaway after several attempts to recuperate. And Queene bravely approached Benji and Benji was still shocked over the battle with the lion and he was gonna fight more than he noticed it was a beautiful woman, it was Queene. And she hugged him tightly and said you saved our lives. You brave and courageous man. What is your name? And Benji said stuttering It is Benjamin no I mean Benji. And Queene said my name is Queene you must at once come with me. You're my hero and you deserved to be celebrated. But Benji resisted humblely and said Anybody would do anything for his neighbor. Especially as beautiful as you are. And Queene kissed him on between his lips and cheek. And Benji who have never known a woman enjoyed the kiss very much. That he said he would never forget her and will help get her to her destination. Queene said don't follow behind but stay near as my protector Benji. And he followed her into her relatives' city. And as they entered many shouted hurray for the married couple. And Queene and Benji locked eyes and accepted it. And during the celebration Benji asked her to marry him. And her relatives after hearing the story shouted well marry him. And Queene and Benji were married and she sought news to her father's house who was thrilled.
By Matthew Primous2 days ago in Families
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.