I went to my second funeral at 22 years old. The loss of my step-grandma was difficult for my entire family to comprehend but imagine having to comprehend the death of your favorite person at the age of 4? My younger cousin, K, loves his “mama” (this is what he calls her). Watching him try to comprehend everything at the funeral was hard for everyone but he was a champ, he stayed strong and even spoke at her memorial. He asked his mom if he could play his and Mama’s song for everyone at the funeral and if people could sing along. Out of the speakers blasted “This is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan. He danced and we sang, the entire room lifted. From grief grew joy and laughter, a remembrance of the one who passed, the lives she's touched, and the people she lives through.

 

It’s easy to forget why you do what you do and this was a fantastic reminder of that. Art heals, I want to be a part of that.

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My goal as an artist is to tell stories of the unheard and to represent those who feel unseen. Everyone’s story deserves to be told, with authenticity and kindness. I want the people who view my art to feel taken care of.