I come from a family of people who express themselves through words. Luckily for me, these words endure. My grandmother, Frances, left behind a bound book of her poetry with a bright pink cover. My mother Faith scrawled handwritten letters to each family member expressing her deep love and wishes for our lives. My father Michael wrote first-person essays about his travels and history, which I compiled into a book at his request.

I return to these books and letters time and again. They offer something precious — a connection with minds and hearts that are no longer here. Through these words, their wisdom endures.

I believe every family deserves this gift.​