Nahid Kashichi

Dear Nahid Kashichi:

You've been on my mind...

You were in my dreams a few nights ago, and I woke up to a message from your daughter, my old friend, wishing me a happy Nowruz. I haven't seen you in over three decades, but I've never forgotten you or your kindness. When we were neighbors in Tehran, Iran, you always invited me to stay with you when my father was absent, whether it was day or night. I always felt safe when I was with you, and I loved you for always being kind and calm.

Once, when I was at your place, you were reading a children's book in Russian to your son. I followed your finger through the lines and paid attention as you read the text, and again when your son read it. Then I asked if I could read it next. You kindly explained I couldn't because it was in Russian. I insisted, and you humored me. I read the entire book as you listened with your mouth open in shock. When I finished, you asked if I had learned Russian before, and you didn't believe me when I told you I hadn't, so you asked my father as soon as he got home. Why didn't you believe me? That hurt my feelings a little, but I put myself in your shoes, and you didn't know I had a knack for languages, so I didn't take it to heart. I was even a little proud of myself for having impressed you.

Years later, when we weren't neighbors anymore, we met on the street. I had missed you so much and was so happy to see you. You told me I had turned into a beautiful young lady. I still remember how that made me feel. 

I didn't know how to express my feelings when I was younger, and I never told you how much I appreciated you and how much I loved you, so I'm telling you now. Thank you for taking care of me all those times. Thank you for teaching me to read the Cyrillic alphabet. Thank you for always treating me kindly. 

I'm grateful for having you in my life.

Love,

Noosha Ravaghi





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