I saw the care inside the awkwardness

Dear Delyara, A parent said something recently in a tone I used to find frustrating. And this time, I heard the care more clearly than the awkwardness. That surprised me. Maybe I am changing. Or maybe I am finally able to hear some forms of love in their imperfect language instead of only through the language I always wished they spoke. It doesn’t erase the old hurt. It just widens the room around it. That widening has become one of the more peaceful parts of growing older.