I’m sorry
I’m sorry for not coming when you called
Your letters landed on my doorstep
The doorstep of a young aspiring college student
Independent of family  

Please forgive me
I hardly heard the voice in your letters
A call to your side, to listen
A call to me, oldest living grandchild to carry on the name

I love you
Please know that
Please excuse my absence
There was no absence of love
Call it youthful folly
Raised without the meaning behind deep family connection

I’m grateful
Grateful for having met you, known you, loved you
Cherished you  

Remember the fresh young boy with his brother
Greeting you at the train?
“There’s my boys!” you told the porter
We smiled with great joy as we hugged you dearly.