Snapshots de Amor

Words by Crystal Reyes
Art by Annie Rios

my grandparents are my world

Ama & Mio, nicknames for each of them. 

in Spanish Ama means “to love” & Mio means “mine” —they swaddle me with comida & warmth

i snap a photo of them most days

i do not want to miss my destination 

i do not want to miss valuable time next to them

i snap photos of them at every open opportunity

true in every form laugher, amor, y paz

i fear their presence when they are no longer with me 

i marvel at their wisdom, growing age, sparkle in their eyes when home-cooked meals are done for them

simple homey chores

I miss them even when they are here

I miss them even with continuous hugs

I miss them…