Ironically, Odette has never read this essay nor heard any attempted translation from English to French of its contents: she claims that hearing about herself bores her. Therefore, I never asked my grandmother how she wanted to be described in an essay. While our relationship obviously mattered to me, I had a difficult time in the drafted versions making the deep personal connection between my grandmother and me seem exciting to people who have never met Odette. I hope that I described her accurately and that I relayed the enthrallment of every moment with my grandmother into my writing. This essay is best read while sitting before a balcony table: one hand holding the printed paper and the other gripping a cup of tea. So, sit back and let me bring you a sip of Odette’s.
ALAN SHAIN is a rising sophomore in Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences, studying Chemistry. He was born and raised in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but took a gap year in the Middle East. Alan cannot thank Professor Christopher McVey enough for his unending encouragement and his deep inspiration. Alan considers this piece as much Professor McVey’s as it is his own.