Think Peace. Talk Peace. Pray Peace.

In February, we planned a vacation at my Aunt's vacation house in Florida. It was a big deal because my Aunt and Uncle from Ireland were going to be there as well and it would be the first time in 9 years that my dad and his two brothers were together.

We got there Sunday night and did a lot of catching up and a lot of family drinking (we're Irish so it's okay.)

Early next morning, my mom comes into our room to inform us that my Granny Annie, my father's mother, had just passed away. It wasn't that surprising, she was turning 96 this year and she had been bedridden for a while now. That doesn't change the fact that it's still hard to hear. Though, we take comfort in the idea that when she heard that all of her boys were going to be together, she decided to pass on. That way, they would be there to support each other.

That day, we made plans to return home to change clothes and head for Ireland. After a hectic trip, we arrived and the rest of our trip was dedicated to my family.

At the funeral (that Saturday), over 70 people showed. It was a wonderful thing knowing that so many people cared for my Granny and wished to show her respect. My father did the eulogy and I read something my brother had written (for he was not able to attend, him being in Saskatchewan and all) with a small snippet added by me.

My brother wrote something so beautiful, a memory they shared, and he was able to express it to everyone. Honestly, I tried to think of a memory, any memory, anything that stuck out, but I couldn't. As much as I loved my Granny, I was never as close to her as I wished. Never the less, she still made an amazing impact on me.

Her accomplishments (being one of the founding members of the Alliance Party of Ireland, bringing about the end of the Troubles) and her charm had made her an outstanding person, and just knowing that she loved me, even a little, brings me so much pride. Being able to say I am related to such a wonderful woman makes me so happy and gives me so much confidence.

Another factor being that, all day of the funeral, people would comment on how I look just like a younger her. I may not have been that close, but having that kind of a connection to her is an incredible feeling.

I made this picture while the family spoke to the priest the day before the funeral, I lost myself in this piece as they discussed the ceremony. In the end, I look at this and I realize why I made it.

My brother, a writer, was able to write such a beautiful speech about a memory, about his love for our Granny. I was not able to come up with any words to express myself as well as he did. So I, being an artist, took it upon myself to express my love for my Granny Annie the only way I could.

To a beautiful, wise, charming and amazing woman. You will be missed by all, but your words will always be with us;
Think Peace
Talk Peace
Pray Peace

I love you Granny Annie, may you rest in peace.