Goodbye to Iran

This is very hard to do. I was ready to take off a few days ago, but now, as the hour of my departure draws near, I sense a heavy sadness within me. I cannot explain how hard it is to be stuck between two cultures; how difficult it is to say goodbye to an aunt one has loved growing up, to cousins who are like brothers and sisters, to a nanny who has been totally devoted regardless of the difficulties, and to a mother who will now be alone again. I, at least, have the luxury of having a husband and two children waiting for me; I have the luxury of looking forward to the joy of seeing them. My mother does not have that. I know I will leave a hollow space in her environment, an emptiness that she has to deal with.

I can't explain how grateful I am to her. She has helped me throughout my whole research and has put up with all my demands. I am leaving Iran with a heavy heart for I do not know what the future holds for any of us and I miss everyone already.