Dear grandma,
They always tell me I resemble you
I think I remember from the two times I saw you
But you look 100 years older than your age, grandma
The wrinkles etched on your face speak of deep anguish
I analyze your photograph with sadness and wonder
How did you survive the wars?
How did you get through the grief?
Your teenage son perished by a grenade
Your daughter passed from illness
God knows all the details of all your trials in Afghanistan
Grandma, I was in school studying all these years
And I missed you
I’d like to come visit you
Just to hold your aging, aching hands
They tell me it’s not safe to travel
But grandma, you are there
You are a survivor
Surely, I can too
As I have your blood
I have no fear
I’m only afraid of missing the chance…
Sincerely,
Your loving granddaughter in America