Granddaughter of a Matriarch

This August, my sweet grandma Bernice, the matriarch of our family transitioned. She was the heart of our lineage, a beacon of strength, wisdom, and love that guided us throughout our lifetime. Although I’ve watched her health decline over the past year, nothing fully prepares you for the finale.

I remember watching grandma sit beside her mother, my great grandma feeding her in her last days. I noticed the look of strength yet sadness grandma had in her eyes during that time. And over the past few months, I’ve seen the same look in my mother’s eyes. There’s a quiet yet undeniable shift you begin to feel—a sense of responsibility and wisdom that slowly settles into your bones when you become close to being a matriarch. As I find myself growing closer to that role, I am both humbled and honored to carry forward my grandma’s legacy, understanding that this journey is not just about leading but also about nurturing the next generation with the same grace and resilience she exemplified.

(Left Photo) My grandmother and great grandmother. (Right Photo) My mother and niece caregiving for grandma.

There’s a bittersweetness in this transition—the joy of stepping into a role that so many remarkable women before me have held, mixed with the sorrow of knowing that their time has passed. More than ever, I’m becoming more intentional about the decisions I make knowing that I’m becoming the one that the next generation will look for wisdom, guidance, and passing on the family’s traditions. The reality is I don’t feel fully ready, but the legacy of the women before me lives on in me, and my art is a reminder of just that.

I enjoyed sharing Grandma Bernice with you all. And I loved hearing the stories of your family as well. Researching her life and health journey has left me with so many undeniable gifts especially launching a floral tea brand. There’s much more to come, and I look forward to continuing this journey of self discovery, family, and legacy with you.