Dear Nani,

I am writing this letter to show you my unspoken words of love and gratitude to you as the symbol of my love speaks more loudly than words.

“Fine things come in small packages.” Your own simple and ordinary ways have always fond me. Being old fashioned, you have always enforced clearly defined limits. Your mind is set and rigid and not receptive to new things. Our worlds are apart; in values, attitudes and abilities. The generation gap is there, unseen and untouchable. Sometimes, we simply cannot agree with each other. Yet you still live and let live. You let me be what I want to be. You give me all the love I needed, bringing hope in times of my despair and strength in times if my weaknesses.

Being my best “chef”, your food has always kept me begging for more! Every Hari Raya, you will never fail to make two full containers of my favourite delicacies specially for me, despite your responsibilities and commitments. It has always been a simple, reassuring gesture of love, from grandmother to her granddaughter.

Hardship comes into every life. Nani, you have suffered a lot of wounds and disadvantages in your adulthood. Being a widow at a young age and going through the latter struggle as a single mother with 7 children, one of them being mentally retarded, you have the toughest job in the universe! However, you have not let your past be an excuse for mediocrity, but let it be an inspiration for excellence. You have given your best that lies within you and kept your confidence.

Nani, you have made me grow up to believe that I’m a worthy human being and will always be loved and respected. Thank you for understanding my struggles. Thank you for being my companion, even if it is on the phone for a minute, or the weekend sleepovers at your house. Thank you for being my comfort and someone I can love, trust and appreciate. Thank you for accepting me for who I am, and not how I perform.

You deserve a standing ovation for being a phenomenal grandmother. My grandmother, you will always be part of me. I love you for what you are and for what I am when I’m with you. Commitment, dedication and perseverance, these are the hallmarks of a hero – an unsung hero. Nani, you are, and forever will be, my superhero.

Yours truly,
Nabilah AR