I was born in the United States but feel a deep connection to a place I have never seen. My parents were born and raised in Jisr al-Shughur. They would tell detailed stories of the people and places in and around their homes. I can almost see the houses and narrow streets of their old neighborhood. I can smell the mechshi cooking and hear children playing. Recently my cousin Wafaa sent me a photo of a narrow street in the Alkal’aa (Castle) district in Jisr Al-Shughur where our family lived. It caused me to close my eyes and wonder what it would be like to walk those streets in better times. No war. No strife. Only the beauty of family and peace. Perhaps one day I will be able to walk those streets but until then I will close my eyes and imagine.
