Summertime: On Gratitude, Grief, Patience, Hope, and Family
On Gratitude “What do you think would have happened to me if you hadn’t adopted me?” S wanted to know one afternoon, as we were making the long trec from our hometown to where my aunt, whom S calls “yiayia,” or grandma in Greece, lives in Detroit. “I don’t know,” I said honestly, because I don’t. “I don’t think it would have been good,” S said. I let that statement hang in the air as we passed some horses grazing in the distance along the highway. I didn’t know what to say. The truth is, we still don’t know what will happen, exactly—and that has been a major stressor all summer. “I’m so glad you adopted me,” she added, “and that you love me so much.” We both took a deep breath. “I’m so glad you love me so much, too,” I said. She put the seat back and tried to nap. The dog in his backseat kennel stirred, looked over at her, and lay back down. --- On Grief This summer has been a time of major growth for both of us. Thanks to two good friends—one a long-time, old fr...