After the loss of my grandmother five years ago, I kept noticing a pattern. No one has ever once asked what my gram was like. I was always met with condolences or questions about my own wellbeing. In turn, when I really wanted to talk about my gram, I only ever talked about my current state. How can I preserve her memory and love, when I am never able to find the time to talk about her? How can I hold onto the memories so deep in my head?

Grief is defined as a “deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death.” This definition of grief, while true, often prevents people from asking the important questions. When you are told someone has passed, your first response is “I’m sorry for your loss” and the conversation leaves little room to talk about the deceased. 

This collection explores my relation to grief through raw text, image, and memory. Each piece is personally written and raw. From Saratoga to Sagamore explores the connection between my lost childhood and real estate images of two homes, owned and sold by my grandparents. Dear Gram, is a small letter inspired by a coping mechanism I practiced years ago. Finally, Through Memory deeply explores my relationship with grief, my gram, and memory.