even though the two families were neighbors, and they shared many a laugh and gossip together, the girl’s parents refrained from eating their food because they regarded Yazidis as heathens. “They thought our bread, even our water, was haram,” Grandma says. “How can that be? We were children. We were friends.” “I’m so sorry, Grandma.” “I’m not telling this to upset you. I want to strengthen your resolve. Our ancestors were resilient and passed this resilience down through generations. But no matter how tall your grandfather, you have to do your own growing.”
