I was thrilled to have my essay “Weight” published in the Spring 2020 edition of Intima: A Journal of Narrative Medicine. In the essay, which I wrote during my time at the UCLA Extension Fiction Writer’s Program, detailed my conflicting emotions in the wake of my aunt’s death in 2013.
Intima gave me a second publishing opportunity as a contributor to their Crossroads Blog. The concept of the blog is to have those published in the current edition of Intima, pick a previous contributor and make a connection between the works. Intima’s mission is to foster communication, connection, and understanding.
I picked a drawing by Bolivian artist Inés Ixierda called “Fasciotomy.” Ixerda’s drawing spoke to my feelings about my aunt’s sudden femur break and the immense pain that she experienced in the final years of her life.
Clink here for a link to my blog post- “Hidden Trauma.”
In both my essay and blog response, I mention my Aunt Trudy’s beauty and glamour. To this end, I wanted to post a few more of my favorite pictures of her. It’s so easy to be left with unpleasant final memories of a loved one, especially under strained circumstances, but I also like to remember the vibrant life that my aunt led prior to her injuries. She was fun and the life of the party.
This is my absolute favorite picture of my aunt! I wish I was that cool and I want her boots!
A picture of my aunt in Hawaii in 1968. Her stunning legs prior to their devastating injury. I’m reminded that the accident didn’t define her and those legs kept her dancing, playing golf, and generally enjoying life for far more years than they caused her pain.