Last year my grandmother passed away.

Before she died of old age, she spent her last year in a retirement home. I think this portrait describes how it feels to be taken away against our own will. The only person I have never, and then I mean never, seen angry. But I saw loneliness in her eyes for the first time at this alienated place. We spent our days gardening flowers, chatting about girls, life, education, how my father was like at my age, how it was to grow up “over hundred years ago” and the list goes on. Her home was like an escape from the world. I don’t have that privilege anymore, that’s the sad reality of life. But I do take pride in knowing that her warmth and care for others, and me, formed me as the person I am today.

She passed away peacefully, with her closest family around her. And even though it hurts, it was good to see her layed to rest, after living a life one can truly be proud of.