Author Archives: thisihumblyspeak

To Daughter on her Birthday

Posted on August 27, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

Before you were born, I thought I chose you. When you took your first breath, I thought I made you. As you skipped, climbed and jumped, I thought I kept an eye on you. Over the years, I thought I … Continue reading →

Posted in family, life, Love, mother daughter, parent | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Civility

Posted on August 18, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

These are tumultuous times. There is conflict, division and dislike turning to hate everywhere I turn. It is difficult to explain exactly what is occurring or why it is happening, but my observations and experiences from the past few months … Continue reading →

Posted in civility, communication, kindness | Tagged , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Ya Beirut, Oh Beirut

Posted on August 5, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

It’s not unusual for me to receive from friends and acquaintances links to performances and concerts that could stir the heart to ride a wave of nostalgia for a place in one’s memory. But I don’t usually open any of … Continue reading →

Posted in music connects, power of music | Tagged , | 13 Comments

I Write With Sorrow

Posted on July 28, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

I listen to the news and take a nervous mental stock of recent events that have targeted Armenians, Greeks, and others on the list of Turkey’s vengeful past, present and future. I delve the most morbid corners of my imagination … Continue reading →

Posted in genocide, war | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Be A Patriot

Posted on July 4, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

I am an American. And because America is largely a nation of immigrants, I am also, like the majority of you, something else. And when I became a citizen of the United States, I swore to uphold and protect the … Continue reading →

Posted in accountability, Duty and honor, justice, Old Glory, patriotism | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Celebrate Baba

Posted on June 21, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

My father, Baba, who is now passed away for 15 years, is the golden rod by which I measure the greatness of a man, and the example by which I have chosen my husband and the legacy I pass on … Continue reading →

Posted in father, kindness, legacy, life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

George Floyd is America

Posted on June 1, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

I am white. And much as I hate to admit it, the reality is that my skin color comes with white privilege as opposed to black or brown privilege. Until I have had to walk in black or brown skin, … Continue reading →

Posted in accountability, death, equality, justice, racism | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

I Will Not Complain

Posted on May 17, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

While I’d like to think that I’m not much of a complainer, I’ve come to realize that complaining is something we all do without even recognizing it. To set the record straight, I am not a chronic complainer. Sure, here … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, family, God | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Mother

Posted on May 10, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

Tonight, I lay me down to sleep A simple prayer I recite Carved in memory to keep alive the treasury of childhood archives. And in the nectar of my thoughts Her arms, a wingspan, fold gently Embracing the child in … Continue reading →

Posted in Love, mother | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Yeva, a Mother

Posted on May 8, 2020 by thisihumblyspeak

I met Yeva for the first time one afternoon at her home while waiting for Ohan to arrive. She lived upstairs in one of the traditional Lebanese homes of stone with beautiful high arches and windows that showed off the … Continue reading →

Posted in life, Love, poverty | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments