Estifanos,
I love you, and I love all of the The Ways you
are.
I love the way you carry Eritrea with you—the way your
necklace keeps your heart close to the home your family left but never
leaves. I love the way your shoulders dance when Eritrean music plays,
the way you laugh as you encourage mine to move in time. I love the
shirt you wear, your favorite shirt, that celebrates Eritrean Martyr's
Day: June 20th. I love the way you love your brothers, the way you are
vulnerable for them, to them, with them. I love the way you love, the
way you honor the uncles you couldn't meet, the aunts you didn't see.
I love the way you respect your mothers, the way you care for them
with patience and understanding. I love the way you speak about your
fathers, the way you work to make them proud. I love the way you live
your name, Estifanos, for the grandfather who shared it with you, for
the grandfather who you should have known but could only love. I love
the way you hold your legacy, your history as you move throughout the
world.
I love the way you forge ahead, the way you build on what your parents
started. I love the way you view your work—to help someone shine
brighter. I love to think about you at the operating table, with a
prefix and a plethora of degrees attached to your name: Doctor. I love
the way you focus. I love the way you study. I love the way you
excel—constantly. I love the way you stay steadfast and unshakeable in
the promise of your greatness.
I love the way your mind works, the insatiable curiosities.
I love the way your mind works, the insatiable curiosities. I love the
way you read, and I love the way you watch. I love the way you love to
learn. I love the way you say: I read it in an article. I love the way
you laugh—the big laughs and the reluctant ones. I love the way you
make up accents and all the voices that you do. I love the way you
make funny sounds; I love that they could only come from you. I love
the way you love to cook. I love the way you love your friends. I love
the way you love to play soccer. I love the way you exhibit
graciousness and patience. I love the way you love your Spotify
playlists. I love the way you forgive. I love the way you love The
Ringer. I love the way you encourage and support growth. I love the
way your widow’s peak makes your face into a heart. I love the way you
challenge everyone around you to be a better person.
I love
that I get to love you, and all The Ways you are. I love you, Esti.