It was 2022, outside on the dry, sandbaked, and hardpacked ground,

My family and I were in Palestine

Looking for the rest of the puzzle pieces.

Me, my sister, and our mom were wearing 

Sparkly, elaborate dresses,

With a rosy flush tone to it.

My three brothers were wearing suits that made them look sharp.

A low thumping sound traveled up from the floorboards,

like a heartbeat coming through my body.

All the flashing lights and loud music made it feel like the glorious hour

Just being surrounded by my loved ones,

and my culture made me feel like myself again. 

It truly reminded me who I am and where I’m from.

As a flashing light centered my extended family and I,

A family friend said with warmth,

 “The missing puzzle piece has been officially found.”

Our family, a tree with roots sunk deep.

But a branch broke

My family and I had to leave the other branches behind

For five years.

And that made the puzzle incomplete.

That meant I had to leave my extended family behind

Without the whole puzzle.

That had been one of my gut wrenching moments I’ve had to experience.

But no matter what,

That incomplete puzzle wouldn’t ruin our strong connection.

And I’ll always have a spot in my heart for my extended family.

People may say there’s more to life than just your family.

But who would you really be without your family?