As I stepped into my grandmother’s impeccably clean kitchen, I noticed she had neatly measured the ingredients for the filling of a traditional dish called dolma, and placed all the materials out to make this dish. She demonstrated how to perfectly roll the grape leaf over the filling, and I was confident I could master her technique. But, I realized it was much harder than it looked like. After struggling with learning how to roll the grape leaves over the filling, I was finally able to do it with ease, and I remember how happy my grandmother was when she saw me rolling each one effortlessly, knowing that this sacred armenian recipe was now safe with me.
In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget about the gifts that surround us, and I am particularly grateful for the gift of my grandmother, who embodies wisdom, love, and strength. Rose or “Varder”, an Armenian woman raised in Iran, married at 19, and eventually raised 4 children, made endless sacrifices for her children to have privileged lives, and do the same for their families in the future.
During the pandemic, my father’s parents passed away, and in 2016, my mother’s father succumbed to lung cancer. Every year, the fragility of life becomes more pronounced for me, but my grandmother stands as a reminder to cherish the little moments in life that are worth looking back on.
When my grandmother recounts on stories of wars and poverty in Iran and Armenia, it not only prompts me to cherish what I have, but also cultivates who I am becoming in life’s challenges. “I had to stand outside the food trucks for bread for hours in the snow, and when I was caring for my new baby, I would ask my son to run to the fruit stand to buy watermelon before it would all be gone, and if we were last in line, we wouldn’t have food”.
Our grandparents’ commitment towards family gatherings and traditions strengthens our sense of belonging and makes us more aware of the love that enriches our lives. Our grandparents are the keepers of traditions like this that foster our sense of identity and define our lives. My grandmother is also the rock of our family, keeping our heritage alive and keeping our family closely bonded. Every Orthodox Christmas (January 7th) and Easter, she brings together the whole family and serves homemade plates of stews, salads, rice dishes, and desserts. I treasure the time I am able to spend with her, especially when we watch Persian dramas while drinking saffron tea, and practice my Armenian speaking skills.
My grandma has a heart of gold, and her dedication to our community is evident in the small yet profound ways she cares for those around her. She often packs bags filled with homemade meals for her neighbors, showing her love and support. Beyond these meals, she welcomes them into her home to enjoy tea and simply talk about their day. In a world that often feels disconnected, her simple acts of kindness weave an everlasting fabric of love and support to those around her. All grandparents are special, and we should cherish the little moments with them because they are grand. Our grandparents are historians, storytellers, keepers, role models, and most importantly, they are blessings. They are the ones who have built the path for our parents so they can instill good values in us.
As I reflect on the irreplaceable role my grandmother plays in my life, I realize that although my other grandparents are no longer here, their spirits echo through my grandma’s stories and values, such as being humble, being compassionate, and having empathy. I am grateful for the time I spent with my grandmother, and I cherish the lessons learned in the kitchen, the endless stories told, and the lifelong memories of eternal love. These are not just experiences, they are the fabric of my Armenian identity, and they constantly remind me that tradition, family, and love, are the true treasures carried forward in life.
