61 Comments

This is so beautiful and hits so close to home. I've been meaning to write about my grandma, who died when I was 18. We had a very close relationship when I was very very young, but time and distance opened a chasm between us that I only recently came to regret. What a beautiful promise to fulfill.

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When the words find you, I can’t wait to read them. Written or not, you’re still carrying her legacy forward. I can see it in the way you show up as yourself. Grateful for you, Noha. Thank you for being a witness to me showing up as myself.

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😭😭😭😭

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I’m curious - when you pulled all the essays together, were you surprised at the length? I know that I often see each piece individually - so to see a culmination of your essays took my breath away! I’m so happy that you were able to give this to your grandma. Projects built on a foundation of love always produce a beautiful result (no matter the size).

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Totally! It helped me realize I’ve written multiple books’ worth of essays. I knew I’d written a lot over the years, but I didn’t know it was that much. Thank you so much, Alison!

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Wow wow wow — what a beautiful thing to do for someone you love. What an incredible gift. This is so inspiring and hits me so deeply right now, especially. Thank you so much for sharing this ♥️

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Thank you, Eli. I'm grateful for the kind words. Glad these words could meet you where you are!

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Adorable! And honestly a great reminder to write first for those who will always show up! When I self published my first essay collection, my whole family and friends showed up and one person taped it and put it on YouTube. Suppernong Books held space for it and shelved the book without an ISBN. I’ve been so caught up in the hustle, I forgot to honor this moment. Thanks for reminding me!

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That’s so sweet, thank you for sharing that! Soon enough, I’m hoping I can gather my family and friends in a similar way. Such a fun way to celebrate with them and honor their presence in helping seeing you through!

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The homie wrote a book for his grandma. And I can’t even imagine what this is doing to people who are witnessing this, including myself. Like this is whole nother level of hope-signaling if that’s even a term. And no that wasn’t your intention but you created the footprints on the path. The impact of this book is being felt and will be felt by so many in so many ways. It was promised. Beautiful.

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You were there from the beginning. Grateful for you, fam. Thank you for being there to help me see it through and celebrating this moment with me. We do it for our people. Every time.

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Wow so special! Go grandma!

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She’s the best 🥰

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Tears. Heart to heart. This is everything, Alex. 🥹🧡✨

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Thank you, Bree. Heart to heart 🙏🏽❤️

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Oh this is so beautiful. your love for your kind hearted grandma, grandpa, and a sense of home shines like a warm light on the page. Honestly this story has so much heart and empathy, it made me teary eyed. Congrats on publishing your book in recognition of your Grandma. Thank you for sharing this honorable tribute to your good Grandma, loved ones, and home.

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Thank you, Jessica. So grateful for this kind note 🫂

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so special!!!

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Thank you 🫶🏽

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This is incredibly heart warming, and I can only imagine the emotions you went through finalizing it and knowing it would sit in her hands, just as hoped and then delivered. A memory to cherish forever, congrats

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Thanks, Kathleen! When I got the book in the mail, I wanted to ship it as quickly as I could. I flipped through it one or two times before writing the note and speeding over to UPS. That first confirmation from my grandma that she received it felt like a breath of fresh air 😮‍💨

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What a beautiful ode to your grandma! I had a very close and special relationship with my grandma, who brought me up in early childhood, and I was devastated when she passed 12 years ago. Since coming back to writing and creating again last year, I've found that she inspires and lives on in all the art I create, and I want to make a book out of all I write too, just so I can dedicate it to her. It's so heartwarming to read about your journey in making this book for your grandma and her moving reaction to holding your book in her hands. Thank you for sharing this with us!

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Somehow this got lost in my notifications, but thank you for such a kind note. I can relate with the relationship you had with your grandma. My mom’s mom, Grandma Gwen, passed when I was in high school. I didn’t know how to mourn her dying and eventual death. But writing made a way for me to sit with how she shaped me and find the words to articulate it. I’m honored I got to give these words to my dad’s mom while she’s still with us. Thank you for meeting me here 🫂

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Thank you for sharing this, Alex. I loved what you said about how writing opens up a way for us to sit with the people, places and experiences that have shaped us and reflect on who we are now as we write about them. That deepens my appreciation for the writing process even more. Grateful to be able to meet both you and myself here through your words!

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This is so special! My grandparents were a big part of my life before they passed, and they're still a big part of it even now that they're gone- I know that just meant so much to your grandma!

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Thank you, Laney! And yes, I’m grateful we get to carry our people with us in life and in death 🫂

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Definitely! Lucky to have so many people to carry along the way

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How incredibly beautiful. My grandmothers both passed away long ago. One didn't read and the other didn't speak English but I like to think they would have been proud anyway. Thank you for sharing some of your amazing Grandma and her love with us!

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I believe they are proud. Because of the person you are. I’m proud, too. Thank you for being in my corner ❤️

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🧡🥲

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beautiful bro. simply beautiful.

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Thank you fam, I appreciate you sitting with it 🫂

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This brought so much joy to my heart. What a beautiful dedication to the love you and your Grandmother share. Well done and congratulations on this beautiful accomplishment.

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I’m glad these words could meet you where you are. Thank you so much for making time, and I’m deeply grateful for the kind words 🫂

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Awesome

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