This is my grandmother, Louise. She passed away on Monday the 20th, and I am are traveling to Massachusetts this weekend to attend the memorial service. She was 96.

I took this photo in 2002. I was in the middle of college, just beginning to study photography. She loved hearing about my classes, and always asked me what I was interested in photographing. Always encouraging, always affirming, sharp as a tack, and taught me so much about kindness and womanhood.

Of course I love this portrait for its sentimental value, but it has other qualities that I enjoy--the rich texture of her hair, the slight texture in the background, and the overall pose.

I wish I had taken more pictures of her when I had the chance.