Though I am oceans apart from family and those I’ve loved longest, due to the pandemic, I have been afforded the opportunity to attend gatherings for births, adulthood rites, and death…online.
You don’t know me nor I you…but, I knew your grandmother…
Yours is a lovingly written ode to her. I met Mrs. Constance Carter when I was 14-years old through my (now) longtime friend, your aunt and Constance’s daughter Robin whom I met at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn.
You have so eloquently described Mrs. Carter as I clearly remember her. I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Carter, right thorough to the very last time we connected, which was on July 15, 2022 when I joined in her (virtual) birthday celebration. Even then she was smiling and humbled by those gathered in celebration to honor her…
Thank you for sharing a few of your cherished memories and allowing me to reflect upon how she touched me personally over the years. May she rest in eternal peace.
In writing this, you have created the space that you thought you missed. No greater tribute or Memorial than to remember and to say her name in the way you have done here. Thank you for this.
Your writing here is exquisite! I’ve lost all my grandparents and could relate to so much of what you wrote. Life’s ephemerality. The importance of mourning and ritual. And, of course, saying their names. Also, happy belated birthday!
I'm so sorry for your loss, I wish you were given the opportunity to celebrate your grandma's amazing life together with your family as it should be done... heartbreaking, really. Lots and lots of love to you!
You write so beautifully! That photograph of your grandmother is just so pretty. She seems like a very nice person! It ruins in the family!
So many loved ones lost recently. Makes us so grateful for our health and to have our close circle happy and healthy. I am actually working very hard on being more present, to let go distractions and just be there… make it count!
I miss talking to you! Hope you are well and wishing you a belated happy birthday! Hope this year will bring you as much happiness as the one you share! Xxoo
This was a beautifully important piece. Something we’ve all had to face. Something in life we’ve all been touched by....and are left to figure out how to ‘be’ with the loss of people in our lives. I thank my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends that have left for all their efforts, love, grace and persistence.....and whose lives were and whose memories of, will always be a part of my life
Happy belated birthday and please accept my condolences. You truly have a writing gift (among your many talents). Thank you for reflecting on this universal theme and helping me see from another perspective. Kathleen, Kevin, Ricky, Izzy, Patrick, Sally, Rudy, Paul
This was written with such sensitivity. I have so many people who come to mind, and such stories to tell, but for now I will simply say: Lou, Anita, Howard, Frances, Michael, Howie - I have so many memories. I’ll add Rosie to the list. And I thank you, Zakia, for your beautiful writing.
Thank You for sharing your thoughts ZM, Last year I lost my Paternal Grandma as well, while I wasn’t too emotional, I miss her a lot these days and wished I spent more time learning my language so I could communicate with her. I sadly couldn’t attend her funeral due to being at school as well as the political situation in my country but still I wish I was able to say goodbye to her one last time. Growing up I never known my grandpas as both of them died before I was born, so I only knew my Grandmas, while I was more close with my maternal grandma as she was the one who took care of me a lot when my dad was busy, I still have good memories of my paternal grandma like the one time she and my uncle took care of me when I was sick. One of the things I wish I could ask them was what was it like for them living during many important events that were happening in the world like World War II, what was it like when our country was a colony under the British, and what were their experiences during the Independence war that made my country.
Dear ZM,
You don’t know me nor I you…but, I knew your grandmother…
Yours is a lovingly written ode to her. I met Mrs. Constance Carter when I was 14-years old through my (now) longtime friend, your aunt and Constance’s daughter Robin whom I met at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn.
You have so eloquently described Mrs. Carter as I clearly remember her. I have so many fond memories of Mrs. Carter, right thorough to the very last time we connected, which was on July 15, 2022 when I joined in her (virtual) birthday celebration. Even then she was smiling and humbled by those gathered in celebration to honor her…
Thank you for sharing a few of your cherished memories and allowing me to reflect upon how she touched me personally over the years. May she rest in eternal peace.
Dr. Janet Leslie
Staten Island, NY
What a beautiful piece. May your family and friends rest in peace and thank you for sharing this 💖💖💖
Oh my, I am so touched. Thank you for remembering me in such a positive light.
Eloquently exquisite.
In writing this, you have created the space that you thought you missed. No greater tribute or Memorial than to remember and to say her name in the way you have done here. Thank you for this.
Leo ,Jessie ,Nana ,Papa , Grace ,Nick Mama ...
Your writing here is exquisite! I’ve lost all my grandparents and could relate to so much of what you wrote. Life’s ephemerality. The importance of mourning and ritual. And, of course, saying their names. Also, happy belated birthday!
I'm so sorry for your loss, I wish you were given the opportunity to celebrate your grandma's amazing life together with your family as it should be done... heartbreaking, really. Lots and lots of love to you!
🌹
You write so beautifully! That photograph of your grandmother is just so pretty. She seems like a very nice person! It ruins in the family!
So many loved ones lost recently. Makes us so grateful for our health and to have our close circle happy and healthy. I am actually working very hard on being more present, to let go distractions and just be there… make it count!
I miss talking to you! Hope you are well and wishing you a belated happy birthday! Hope this year will bring you as much happiness as the one you share! Xxoo
This was a beautifully important piece. Something we’ve all had to face. Something in life we’ve all been touched by....and are left to figure out how to ‘be’ with the loss of people in our lives. I thank my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends that have left for all their efforts, love, grace and persistence.....and whose lives were and whose memories of, will always be a part of my life
Happy belated birthday and please accept my condolences. You truly have a writing gift (among your many talents). Thank you for reflecting on this universal theme and helping me see from another perspective. Kathleen, Kevin, Ricky, Izzy, Patrick, Sally, Rudy, Paul
This was written with such sensitivity. I have so many people who come to mind, and such stories to tell, but for now I will simply say: Lou, Anita, Howard, Frances, Michael, Howie - I have so many memories. I’ll add Rosie to the list. And I thank you, Zakia, for your beautiful writing.
Gladys, Grace,Mert,Martha, ❤️
Thank You for sharing your thoughts ZM, Last year I lost my Paternal Grandma as well, while I wasn’t too emotional, I miss her a lot these days and wished I spent more time learning my language so I could communicate with her. I sadly couldn’t attend her funeral due to being at school as well as the political situation in my country but still I wish I was able to say goodbye to her one last time. Growing up I never known my grandpas as both of them died before I was born, so I only knew my Grandmas, while I was more close with my maternal grandma as she was the one who took care of me a lot when my dad was busy, I still have good memories of my paternal grandma like the one time she and my uncle took care of me when I was sick. One of the things I wish I could ask them was what was it like for them living during many important events that were happening in the world like World War II, what was it like when our country was a colony under the British, and what were their experiences during the Independence war that made my country.