While living in New Jersey, I used to write to my grandmother Florida who lived in North Carolina. We developed a bond over several years through writing. I still have one of her handwritten letters that she wrote to me over 20 years ago, and it was written on pink paper.
She said in her letter these unforgettable words, “My eyes are getting dim and this will be my last letter.”
I’ve learned so many life lessons from my grandmother. Even though we didn’t see each other very much, it was like she knew exactly what I was feeling. It was if the words lifted off the page and gave me the hug that I needed.
RIP grandma, thank you for making me feel so special.
Who I Am and Why I’m Here
I started seeking out pen pals to correspond with when I was a teenager because I was bored at home and had to babysit my sisters and brother a lot. I found an ad in one of my teen magazines for pen pals and started a 10+ year penpalship with Rehmat from Ethiopia.
Rehmat sent me a photo of her and her sisters and she was beautiful. Honey brown skin with long wavy hair. Not at all what I imagined her to look like. Her five sisters where in all shades of brown with hair of different textures.
Writing to Remat helped me to learn about and appreciate my ancestry.
Who I Am and Why I’m Here
I had to go on dialysis because my kidney’s were failing. When I was on dialysis it was painful from the needle sticks, and very frustrating seeing many doctors and nurses. My life seemed like I was walking through a dark tunnel with no light in sight. There was even a time that I didn’t think I would live through it.
I am still here, not just surviving but thriving. I work everyday, enjoy my family and friends and do some traveling too. One of my articles was published online: National Kidney Foundation.
A Hug Without A Touch 