I hadn't seen my grandfather in 22 years. When I finally returned to the Dominican Republic, his first question broke me.
I spent a summer with my grandfather in the Dominican Republic at 12. After years of financial struggles, I finally returned 22 years later.
For 22 years, the author deferred his return to visit his grandfather in the Dominican Republic. At age 12, he worked on the farm for three months, promising to come back soon. Financial hardships prevented him from returning. Upon his eventual arrival, his 91 Nissan pickup truck was battered. Upon arrival, he joined his grandfather in labor-intensive work on the farm.
The backyard echoed their father's words, "Vamos a trabjar." After 90 days, the author promised to return. His grandfather had dementia by the time the author could afford a trip back. The farm had been lost, and his grandfather was living in a new home. As they hugged, the grandfather asked, "What took you so long to return?" The author acknowledged his hard work to return.
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