Dear Luki,

As I write this, I am looking out at the Caribbean ocean, the breeze tousling my hair. We are on vacation in Mexico, celebrating your uncle Ani’s graduation. You are here too, and even though you will not remember this trip, that’s OK, because we will. We’ll remembered how excited you looked when you first saw the waves, and how, when we put you in the pool, you were scared at first, but ended up clapping and laughing with your daddy after a few minutes.

We miss your grandpa very much. He would have loved it here.

The beach was your grandpa’s favorite place and, whenever we planned a family vacation, I’d always disagree with him about the destination. I like to explore, to visit big cities, go to museums, make intricate itineraries, and walk, walk, and walk some more. Your grandpa, on the other hand, liked to stretch out on the sand, stare at the horizon, and just be.

We are taking it easy on this trip. In part because you are here and we don’t want to get kicked out of any establishments should you have one of your epic tantrums, but also because, in light of everything that’s happened over the past few months, we want to follow your grandpa’s lead and take some time to just be. To fully enjoy these moments without worrying about dinner reservations or long lines at must-see attractions. To breathe, and smile, and realize — and I mean really, truly realize — that sunsets are beautiful, and that we are incredibly lucky to witness them in each other’s presence.

I hope you get to travel the world, Luki. I hope you see masterpieces, and eat at the best restaurants. I hope you visit places that leave you in awe of the magnificence of nature. And while you’re there, I hope you scrap your plans, close your guide book, leave your itinerary behind, and take a moment to marvel at the wonder that is being.

Love,

Mom