In the hallway closet, there is a collection of blue hardcover books lined up neatly by year. In them, I see my life laid out in pictures and blog entries, all on glossy pages that squeak as I turn them. The pictures of my child face smile up at me as I laugh at the funny stories of things I did as a kid, or the entries my mom wrote from “my perspective”. My mom wrote the blog, handpicking pictures and writing entries. The blog is online and printed, and originally made to keep family members updated when I was in the hospital after my premature birth. The blog stuck around, though, and she kept writing entries even after I left the hospital. I have vivid memories of gathering with my family around the computer, reading the blog, and watching videos of me stealing toys from my brother or looking at pictures of me pretending to climb the walls as a “gecko” while wearing rubber gloves. Reading about events I don't remember also makes me wonder what my mom left out of the blog. The blog is kept pretty lighthearted, and my mom has told me she has intentionally omitted some more negative entries. I wonder how only having positive entries affects the accuracy of the blog. Is it a true reflection of my family's story? I hope, despite this, future generations will be connected to our family through the blog, just like it connects me to my family today.

– JL'E

Relationship:  unknown unknown