Dear Mom ~                                       11-19-97

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I miss you. I hope that your life is going well, I mean it is from as far as I can tell. I can't wait to be home and to be able to hug you and talk to you , face to face again. I never thought I would say that I miss my parents, but I'm sure that's only the first of the "I never thought I would say..." statements I will make within my life time. I would really like to thank you for all you've done for me. My life has been so productive and I'm such a driven person because of the strength you and Dad, but more you, have instilled in me.

 

I was a born leader because of both of you, but you are the one who has helped me apply myself, all these years. Remember when I used to come to you in 7th and 8th grade asking for help with the problem of the week in math. You used to explain things in such a way to me that was hard to understand, because you wanted me to learn, and you knew that I would be eventually. Yeah, took me a while to get algebra, but hey, now I'm not too bad at solving for "X" !

 

All those times you made food for elementary school staff for holy days, and when you came into class and dressed up to tell them about Ayyam-i-ha... too bad I still don't know how to spell it ha, ha. Wow, I guess I never realized how much effort that took, and how hard that must have been for you. I remember how you really didn't like being around lots of little kids, so you wouldn't chaperone field trips a lot- I UNDERSTAND NOW!!! Not that I really cared then though. All your dedication to making sure I had a great education has really paid off, Mom.

 

I'm here, at a great university and I have real goals. I mean goals that are not only attainable, but that are ambitious and my life is great because of your influence. Of course, I wish your genes were a little more aggressive at times, so I would understand chem easier, but hey, I guess I'll make it anyway! Thank you for all your help during high school. Wow, that statement just covered a lot of time. I went through so much good and bad stuff during high school and you were always there, telling me o pick, myself up and move on.

 

The thing I really appreciate the most about that is that you didn't pick me up, you let me do it myself. I am terribly independent person because of that, and it's a part of me that is one of my favorites! I don't have to depend on anyone or anything and that has been so beneficial to me, these past 18 and some, years. That is not to say that I can't choose to depend on people and trust them, but at least I know that I have the strength to move on, all by myself!

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Now that I'm here, at Tulane, I'm trying to do my best to pay you back somehow, even though that's not possible. I just want to do well so that I can show the world how well I was brought up, and succeed, more mentally and spiritually than anything else. I know that the book, I've opened the most this year has been my prayer book, and I'm counting on having that with me for the next 60 years, or however long I live. So, you can rest assured that God and I are swapping stories all the time. God's on my side, I know that because that's what you and Dad have always taught me.

 

Beside the gift of life itself, I think that is the best thing I've ever received here on this earth. The knowledge that I can do whatever I set my mind to because God is always with me, is something that I will carry with me forever.

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Thank you for everything. I know it's rough on all of us that I'm here and not at home, and that it's costing a bundle, but take comfort in the knowledge that I have the most important ideals and thoughts instilled in me. I know that I love life and I know that I have the ability to love. Oh yeah, and I know that God loves laughter, and so do I!! Those are all a person can ask for.

 

I love you, and see you soon.

Dear Dad ~                                       11-21-97

   

  Wow, it has been a long time since we've seen each other. I really hope that I wouldn't be doing as well as I am, if it hadn't been for all your help and guidance over the years. At times, I really struggle here, but not in the regular way people are struggling. My morals are clearly defined, by this time in my life, and a lot of the kids here are still wavering morally. However, my struggle has more to do with my inner being.

 

  I have to force myself sometimes, to just accept that this place isn't home, and it never will be, but that my stay here won't be in the vain. I will succeed and I will gain strength and knowledge that will ultimately advance me to the next level in life, which for me, is medical school and marriage (hopefully), and then finally, having a family.

 

  It has taken 18 years to realize just how hard it is to raise a family, and I just want to thank you for all you have done for me and for our family. I know how hard you have worked to get to where you are in life right now, and the you've endured many hardships over the years...and I know that sometimes they seem never ending. Maybe these hardships are going to occur for all of our lives, but what you have taught me is that we must enjoy the times in between the conflicts, and always show as much love as possible, to those around you.

 

  Dad you are such a generous persons, and sometimes, we know that it has been hard for you not to help someone. At some point, there must be a balance within a person's personality, when they know when to stop giving so much so that they don't lose control of themselves, and I think you're trying very hard to find that balance.

   

  Dad, I know that you have struggled a lot since the day you were born, and that life has never come easy for you. I want you to know that I appreciate all you have taught me thus about your experiences, and that I am always ready to hear more. For goodness sakes, I'm a history mayor, of course I'm going to want to hear about your history!! (which is, incidentally, my history). I have always loved being a part of the Persian culture and I value it so much. Such a rich culture, and such a powerful history, filled with so many intriguing ideas; war, power struggles, different kinds of people, resources, religion and love.

 

  I will never stop learning about Iran and about everything that has to be do with it. AND I WILL NEVER STOP SPEAKING FARSI!! Dad- you don't understand how much I miss hearing it and how much I miss speaking it!! It's such a beautiful language and I'm so glad that I learned , and am continuing to learn it. I know I'm not as god as good I should be, but I'll try hard when I come home, to speak it a lot more often. I hope you feel good, Dad and I want you to know that I pray for you everyday; for your safety, well being and for you to have a positive state of mind. I can't wait to be home and hear you tell me that I can't sleep at someone's house, or that I can be out that late...I'll still do it, but it's still going to be fun to hear you try.... I know.. "Pedar sag," right?

 

I love you, and I'll see you soon!!