Like you, I have three sources of joy. You, Shan and the youngest. Watching you grow into yourselves is my life.

Beautiful essay. Now I add Snowy Haque to my list!

Do you remember when you were at that elite school what happened one day? I was called in by a haughty headmistress to discuss an urgent matter. I rushed over and was told in hushed tones that you’d been quarantined because you had lice. Not allowed food or drink all day, when I arrived you were crying, all of 4 years old I think.

I examined your bowl cut but found no lice, only the beginnings of what later became a serious condition. Dandruff!

The fools couldn’t tell the difference between a flakes of skin and lice eggs. I was livid. It was terrifying, humiliating and confusing for you. I yelled at them and pulled you out of that den of ignorance immediately. I should’ve sued them promptly, but I was not American enough. Not then.