Letter to You | April 2026

Hi there, I hope this finds you well.

My mom has been staying with me. It is a strange feeling. We really haven’t lived together long-term since I was in middle school. The last time we lived together for more than a few weeks was eight or nine years ago. With her around, I feel myself regressing a little, becoming a kid again. She wants to do everything for me. There is warmth in it, and closeness, but I also don’t always know what to do with all of that. Today, she insisted on blow-drying my hair. I wanted to ask her if she misses my grandma. I wanted to ask her if she feels lonely. But instead, all I said was that bone density is important, and that she should make sure she is getting enough calcium and vitamin D.

This month, I went back to my alma mater. I took the train ride I haven’t taken in a long time. I tried the new coffee shop that wasn’t there when I was a student. So many new restaurants have opened since I left, and more are coming soon. It felt familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. I saw my mentors and felt so loved. One of them told me to lean into my feelings. He said I tend to gloss over things when I’m not happy. He told me to lean in, and that made me feel so seen. They told me I could stay with them if I ever needed a place to crash. I feel so lucky knowing they are always in my corner.

I saw Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). Is it corny, or extra fun, to watch a musical about New York while in New York? It's not entirely about New York. I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. I cried when Robin talked about her grandma. I miss mine. After the show, my friend and I got hats. Hers says “Mr. Dickface.” Mine says “woof woof.” If you know, you know.

I went on many walks, sometimes by myself and sometimes with my mom after dinner. Flowers bloomed, flowers disappeared, and green leaves took their place. One of these days, maybe on one of our walks, I will ask mom about grandma.

Yours Truly :)