A FAMILY ALBUM, FROM KABIR & TARA
Before we had the world, we had you.
A little collection of all the things we never
quite found the words to say.
INSIDE THIS ALBUM
01 The years that made us ↗02 Things we still remember ↗03 A letter from each of us ↗04 Your next chapter ↗01 / THE YEARS THAT MADE US
We know this part through old albums. Mum says Dad was nervous. Dad says he was calm. The photographs are on Mum’s side.
School bags, little shoes and two children who thought you knew everything. Somehow, you made room for us in every part of your lives.
At school gates and exam halls. In the audience, waving far too enthusiastically. We looked for your faces. We always found them.
New cities. New work. You learned to say “go, we’ll be fine,” even when “stay” would have been easier.
Two watches, one thank-you. A little reminder that we see the time you gave us. And we haven’t forgotten.
02 / THINGS WE STILL REMEMBER
We don’t remember the hotel name. We remember Mum’s snacks, Dad asking for directions, and staying outside until the sky changed colour.
You remember the planning. We remember that nobody had to rush anywhere.
We’re so glad you insisted.03 / TWO LETTERS, LEFT BETWEEN THE PAGES
FROM YOUR SON
I used to think growing up meant needing you less. Now I live away, and I hear your advice coming out of my own mouth.
Dad, I finally understand why you checked the tyres before every long drive. Mum, I still can’t make the dal taste like yours. I suspect you’re leaving something out.
The life I’m building started with the one you gave me. I don’t say that enough.
Love you both,FROM YOUR DAUGHTER
You were there for every version of me. The girl with a new plan each week. The teenager who knew everything. The woman still figuring it out.
I could arrive tired, uncertain, or carrying a suitcase full of laundry. There was always room. You never made me earn my place at home.
I hope you know how much strength there is in knowing I can try, because I have you.
Always your little girl,IN THE BACK POCKET
Little notes to open whenever you need us.
We miss the noise too. The television nobody was watching. Someone calling from another room. Call us even if there’s “nothing to say.” Hearing about your day is something.
Yes, we ate. Yes, we’re being careful. You taught us how to look after ourselves. We carry more of your wisdom than we admit.
Take the trip. Stay for another cup of tea. You don’t need a special occasion to choose a little time for yourselves. Tell us what you’re dreaming of.
04 / YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
For slower mornings. For another trip.
For a chapter that belongs to the two of you.
With all our love,
Kabir & Tara