The Turtledove’s Gift

Grandma Stella shares a tender memory of her childhood, triggered by a turtledove bathing in the rain. She recalls her mother’s gentle chiding and understanding smile, connecting the past to the present.

It is raining and chilly. I decided to make some comfort food: Ash-e-Reshte. I came downstairs and drew the curtains back. On this wet, cold morning, there was a turtledove in the garden spreading its wings wide and preening itself. I think she was taking her shower.Many years ago, when I was young and carefree, I recall running up and down in the garden. I was barefoot, I raised my face up to the pouring rain, my arms lifted high to the sky, trying to catch every raindrop. I giggled in delight!When I walked back into the house, dripping wet and making puddles, my mother chided me, “Stella! Stella! What foolishness is this?” But she was smiling as if she understood.Ah, turtledove, you brought back a sweet memory to an old lady.