Honoring Grandma: A Grandson's And Son’s Tribute

The last time I touched you was on March 14, 2019, before I relocated abroad. You gave me your traveling bag, knowing I didn’t have one that was suitable for the journey. You told me to fill it with gifts for you when I returned, and I promised I would. It breaks my heart that I won’t be able to keep that promise, and the pain of knowing I’ll never see you again weighs heavily on me. My heart is still in disbelief, still in shock that you're truly gone. I hear your voice in my mind, calling me “Deee” or “Alfred di mu ohhh,” the way only you could. I wish I had called you more often, done more video calls so I could see your beautiful face. I don’t know how to let you go. You practically raised me, shaping so much of who I am today. I remember the stories you told me about the tortoise when I was a kid. I remember the discipline you instilled in me, even though I didn’t always understand it back then. I’m grateful for it now—it made me who I am. I will forever miss you, Grandma. I’m sad that I can’t be there for your burial, but I promise I’ll visit your headstone when I can. Until we meet again in heaven, may your soul rest in peace. With all my love, Your grandson, Dumebi Divine Chukwuma Alfred.