Hello Mother - Thoughts On Going To Bangladesh For The First Time

For me, being Bangladeshi, but born and raised in America is like having two mothers. An adopted mother, America and a biological mother, Bangladesh.

My adopted mother, America, provided me with many things: shelter, food, education, comfort…endless opportunites that my biological mother, Bangladesh, could not have given me. Despite this, I yearned to see my biological mother because with her I shared an unbreakable bond. I shared with her my complexion, eyes, hair, smile, and voice. I wanted to meet her. To know her. To know what she looked like and what she smelled like.

The time had come for me to meet my biological mother. I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. After 22 years, I would finally get to see her. But, I wondered, will she love me? Will I love her? Landing, I saw her vast green rice fields, marshes, and brown buildings. I didn't expect her to be so beautiful. I was happy to see her.

Hello, mother.