Member-only story
“The Grandfather I Didn’t Know”
“A memory that reminds me of his strength and love”
My grandfather was a tall man with a huge stature, well-respected and admired in our community for his good nature and eloquence. He spent most of his life working hard in the Gulf during the 60s and 70s, and by the time he retired, his sons were grown and well-settled. However, fate had other plans. A paralyzing stroke left him unable to speak or walk on his right side.My grandmother dedicated herself to his rehabilitation, trying everything from traditional remedies to modern medicine, and even massaging his limbs to restore mobility. While nothing seemed to work at first, her efforts eventually paid off, and he began to walk again – albeit with the aid of a stick.
As a child, I never knew my grandfather when he was healthy. I only saw him struggling to walk, his right foot dragging on the ground, and eating with his left hand. Despite his efforts to adapt, his condition had taken a toll on him. He would often sit quietly, lost in thought.The only sound that would escape his lips was a faint whisper of “maa” (mother), a word that seemed to hold deep meaning for him.
Watching him pray, I’d see tears streaming down his face as he looked up at the sky, sometimes shaking his fist in frustration. His eyes would linger on his paralyzed hand and leg, and I’d…
