A letter to My Favorite Elder
by Marlow

Dear GG,

As the last remaining grandparent on either side of my mother and father, you are more vital to me than you could ever know. The lessons you have bestowed upon me over the years are plentiful. I cherish the fond memories that we have had together over time, be it visiting and you preparing pancakes for breakfast as I watched Looney Tunes, or going to church service on Sundays a while back. I have to say without a doubt that you are the only grandparent that I have ever really been able to know due to my father’s parents residing in Nigeria. While my father’s parents are no longer amongst the living, sadly, I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to meet them. Sadly, the memories of them pale in comparison to the ones I have built with them. The reason why I have been so silent as of late is due to the pandemic. Since it continues without any clear indication as to when it will end with a viable vaccine, I worry for you a great deal. 

Normally, doubt does not have a tendency to cloud my mind, but now more than ever, I feel as though a massive dark cloud has ensnared the entire world. The clock is ticking as every government strives to quickly secure a remedy that returns everything to a relatively safer time than we are in now. Usually, I do not allow current events to have such a negative toll on me, but as time progresses, I start to wonder about all of those who matter to me, whether old or young. In times such as these, I am looking towards the future, knowing that things get better more often than they get worse. You are constantly in my thoughts, Grandmother, and I know once this is over, I shall see you again.

Sincerely,

Your Grandson