no fool
my oma, sophia kooman, celebrated her birthday on 1 april. she was a beautiful woman with long silver hair she always wore in a bun, a gentle smile, and a pure heart. i miss her and look forward to seeing her again one day. she used to take our family to west edmonton mall's water park on her birthday. she was happy to sit on the fake beach and watch us enjoy our time.
do we all grow into such selflessness as we get older? my grandparents, three deceased, one still alive and well, are all models to me of generosity, faithfulness, endurance.
i cannot explain the sudden nostalgia. perhaps it is just right to 'remember those before us' and to strive model their lives. i'm thankful that i can be thankful for my family.
it's been a few years since i have been home in april. this year marks the third consecutive year where i can be no fool to the practical gags and gaffs of tricksters. in asia, april fool's day isn't a reality nor is the feeling of spring and change. when i am away from where i am from i so easily forget time and its markers, especially when in a country with one season.
what happens to time? what happens to us in time? if my oma were to stop by for tea, what would she say about me, what things about my life would she notice, what would she see?
i would tell her that today i rode an elephant through a jungle path in chaing mai, that i fed elephants bananas and watermelon rinds. i craved a hot dog and bought one at 7-11. that this morning i stood under a beautiful waterfall and enjoyed trees and sky for the first time in a long while after being in foreign locales: deserts, villages, and urban centres.
and i would tell her that i love her. i would wish her a happy birthday. i would kiss her on the cheek.
do we all grow into such selflessness as we get older? my grandparents, three deceased, one still alive and well, are all models to me of generosity, faithfulness, endurance.
i cannot explain the sudden nostalgia. perhaps it is just right to 'remember those before us' and to strive model their lives. i'm thankful that i can be thankful for my family.
it's been a few years since i have been home in april. this year marks the third consecutive year where i can be no fool to the practical gags and gaffs of tricksters. in asia, april fool's day isn't a reality nor is the feeling of spring and change. when i am away from where i am from i so easily forget time and its markers, especially when in a country with one season.
what happens to time? what happens to us in time? if my oma were to stop by for tea, what would she say about me, what things about my life would she notice, what would she see?
i would tell her that today i rode an elephant through a jungle path in chaing mai, that i fed elephants bananas and watermelon rinds. i craved a hot dog and bought one at 7-11. that this morning i stood under a beautiful waterfall and enjoyed trees and sky for the first time in a long while after being in foreign locales: deserts, villages, and urban centres.
and i would tell her that i love her. i would wish her a happy birthday. i would kiss her on the cheek.